Manitoba students meet with MLAs this week to call for action on student debt

WINNIPEG, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Students from across Manitoba will be meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly this week to pressure the provincial government to address increasing student debt and tuition fee loopholes.

"As tuition fees continue to rise, the interest charged on student loans forces those who are unable to afford the upfront costs to pay more for their education," said Bilan Arte, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students—Manitoba. "In a time of slow economic recovery, punishing those with low income just doesn't make sense."

Manitoba student loans carry an interest rate of prime, meaning that those students who rely on loans will pay, on average, an extra $3,000 for their education. Manitoba continues to enjoy an excellent credit rating and the administration costs for the student loans program are at their lowest since the NDP took office. The province is well positioned to support low- and middle-income students by eliminating interest rates on student loans.

"This week, students are bringing a strong message to MLAs from all parties and all parts of this province," added Arte. "Accessible, affordable, and high-quality post-secondary education must be part of the province's plan."

The Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba is Manitoba's largest student organisation, uniting over 42,000 students across the province. As part of the Canadian Federation of Students, the Federation and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba

Bilan Arte, Chairperson, [phone] (cell), [email protected]
Adam Awad, Media Liaison, 613-979-6622 (cell), [email protected]