Manitobans call for the elimination of interest on student loans

WINNIPEG, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Students from across Manitoba presented over 6,000 petitions to Hon. James Allum, Minister for Education and Advanced Learning calling for the elimination of interest on student loans.

"Interest on student loans further penalizes those Manitobans who are unable to afford to upfront costs of their education," said Bilan Arte, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students—Manitoba. "High student debt prevents graduates from real participation in Manitoba's economy."

Part of the Education for All campaign, the petitions were signed by students and community members from all parts of the province. Manitoba student loans carry an interest rate of prime, meaning that those who rely on loans will pay, on average, an extra $3,000 for their education.

"Our government will continue to work with students, not against them, to continue building a post-secondary system defined by quality, affordability and accessibility," said James Allum, Minister of Education and Advanced Learning.

The Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba is Manitoba's largest student organisation, uniting over 42,000 post-secondary 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.

Image with caption: "Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba logo (CNW Group/Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140429_C5720_PHOTO_EN_39763.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - Manitoba

Bilan Arte, Chairperson, [phone] (cell), [email protected]