Federal government's reliance on student debt falls short of Obama's free community college plan Français
OTTAWA, Jan. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Students in Canada are looking to the federal government to make college and university education more affordable and accessible in 2015. President Barack Obama's proposal to eliminate the cost of the first two years of community college comes just one day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper re-announced a system of apprenticeship loans that could increase debt for some students.
"Addressing the issue of high student debt and youth unemployment will require bold ideas," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "Compared to what's on the table for students in the United States, Canada's policy proposals are underwhelming."
More than 40 countries around the world provide free post-secondary education. Obama's announcement comes months after Germany eliminated tuition fees for all post-secondary students. In Canada, students collectively owe more than $15 billion in student debt to the federal government, with millions more owed to provincial governments and private lenders.
"It's no secret that student debt depresses consumer spending and harms the Canadian economy," said McCormick. "With a federal election around the corner, students are looking to all federal parties to commit to increasing access to college and university, rather than forcing students further into debt."
Join the Canadian Federation of Students' call for accessible education by visiting itsnosecret.ca. The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than 600,000 students across the country. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students
Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson, 613-232-7394, [email protected]
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