TORONTO, May 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Political parties in Ontario must take action on issues impacting youth and students or they risk leaving a generation behind, say students.
"Students today are paying record high tuition fees, graduating with larger student debt loads and facing a more dismal job market than our parents' generation," said Alastair Woods, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "So far, no party is offering positive change for students and youth.
Generation Vote focuses on five key issues, calling on the political parties to commit to:
Last week, Tim Hudak announced at least $400 million in cuts to student aid if the Progressive Conservatives form government. Before the election, the Liberals distributed misleading materials claiming to have reduced tuition fees. The New Democrats have not announced yet what their plans are to address tuition fees, student debt or youth unemployment.
"All three major parties say they want a brighter future for this province," said Woods. "But you can't build a bright future by ignoring the people who will live in it."
Generation Vote encourages young people to vote by offering to send voting reminders close to June 12. Find out more about the campaign here.
The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the province's largest student organization, representing over 350,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students in every region of the province.
Image with caption: "Generation Vote campaign encourages students and youth to vote and calls on provincial political parties to take action on important issues like tuition fees, unpaid internships and public transit. (CNW Group/Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140520_C9049_PHOTO_EN_40528.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario
Kaley Kennedy, Communications and Government Relations Coordinator: 416-925-3825 or [email protected]
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