Six out of 10 provinces increased per-student spending on public schools, even after adjusting for inflation

Education Spending in Public Schools in Canada, 2024 Edition

• 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.