...

Education Spending in Public Schools in Canada, 2024 Edition

Printer-friendly version
Education Spending in Public Schools in Canada, 2024
  • Total education spending in public schools over the last 10 years increased from $61.5 billion in 2012/13 to $82.5 billion in 2021/22. This represents an increase in nominal spending of 34.1%.
  • Per-student spending adjusted for inflation (price changes) increased by 5.1% nationally from 2012/13 to 2021/22.
  • The highest inflation-adjusted, per-student spending increases occurred in the provinces of Quebec (33.7%), Prince Edward Island (21.6%), Nova Scotia (12.3%), and British Columbia (6.7%). The data does not differentiate between temporary spending related to COVID-19—which may have resulted in children returning to classrooms more quickly—and ongoing spending. 
  • Three provinces saw declines in inflation-adjusted per-student spending—Alberta (17.2%), Saskatchewan (14.9%), and Newfoundland & Labrador (9.8%).
  • Quebec had the lowest level of per-student spending in public schools in 2012/13 and now has the highest. Prince Edward Island went from ninth in per-student spending to third highest. On the other hand, Saskatchewan went from the highest in per-student spending to seventh, and Alberta went from third highest to tenth (lowest).
  • Even though British Columbia recorded the fourth-highest growth in adjusted per-student spending, it still ranks eighth in per-student spending in Canada.
  • Student enrolment across Canada increased by an average of 5.1% from 2012/13 to 2021/22. Three provinces saw a decrease in enrolment: Newfoundland & Labrador (5.8%), New Brunswick (1.8%), and Ontario (0.1%).
  • Compensation remains the largest and costliest aspect of education spending and has contributed the largest portion to the growth of total education spending in Canada.

More from this study

Subscribe to the Fraser Institute

Get the latest news from the Fraser Institute on the latest research studies, news and events.