Students' demands are heard in BCNDP platform announcement

VANCOUVER, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Students are happy to hear the BCNDP election platform announcement about the promised introduction of a BC student grants program.

"Student debt is skyrocketing in British Columbia, students are pleased to see the BCNDP listening to our call for an up-front needs based grant program," says Katie Marocchi, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-British Columbia. "Currently, BC ranks last amongst the provinces when it comes to non-repayable financial aid leaving little support for students and families that need it most."

In 2004, the provincial student grants program was cut by the BC Liberal government. Since the loss of the program, students have called for a system of non-repayable financial aid that was as comprehensive as the previous program. Today, the average student debt in BC for a four-year program is $27,000.

"A student grants program in BC would go a long way in addressing high student debt," says Marocchi.

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is composed of students from 16 post-secondary institutions across every region of BC. Post-secondary students in Canada have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - British Columbia

Katie Marocchi, Chairperson: [phone]
Zachary Crispin, Spokesperson: [phone]