Election results a cause for concern for students
TORONTO, June 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, students greet the newly elected Progressive Conservative (PC) government of Doug Ford with mixed emotions. The lack of support for public services, like post-secondary education, and for victories such as the $15 minimum wage shown by the leadership of the PC majority government presents a cause for concern for students.
"For the past several months, students have been advocating for strong public funding for public services, like transit, child care and health care, that impact our everyday lives," said Nour Alideeb, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "While we are excited to begin working with new and returning Members of Provincial Parliament from all parties to continue fighting for affordable and accessible education, we must acknowledge that this incoming government has failed to show any commitment to maintaining strong support for the public services we all rely on."
Over the past several months, students have been organizing around the Fairness for Students campaign, which highlights the important role public services play in creating the conditions for students to be successful. Across the province, student organizations have been sharing this message with their members and encouraging them to vote.
During the election, the PC Party promised to find billions of dollars of efficiencies within government, implement significant tax reductions and freeze the minimum wage at $14 per hour. Premier-elect Doug Ford has so far remained unclear where these efficiencies will be found. However, it is certain that such significant budget cuts will have major implications for students.
"Students are concerned that the efficiencies this government has talked about will come at the expense of important investments in the form of public spending, which means cuts to education and health care," said Alideeb. "By working together we have been able to secure a $15 minimum wage and other important investments that provide help to those who need it the most. We can't afford to move backwards."
The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the largest student organization in the province, representing over 350,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students
Ian McRae, Government Relations and Policy Coordinator: 306-852-0128 or [email protected]
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