Students Pressure Decision Makers to Increase Post-Secondary Access

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations in Ottawa Meeting with MPs and Senators

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - This week, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has brought more than 60 student leaders from across the nation to Ottawa for meetings with Members of Parliament and Senators from all three national parties to discuss issues that affect Canada's young people

"With Canada's population aging and with our labour force in decline, government must focus on Canada's students, as we are the nurses, doctors, teachers, tradespeople, and managers of tomorrow," explained Amanda Nielsen, Chair of the Board of Directors for CASA.  "The success of students is critical to sustained economic growth and the overall wellbeing of the country."

While the benefits to pursuing postsecondary are clear, the path required to get there often is not.  The cost of education continues to steadily increase. Over the course of this school year, the average full-time undergraduate student will pay $5,772 for their education, and graduate students pay even more. Costs are a very real obstacle to many people who want to better their education and are facing ever-increasing barriers to doing so.

The federal government has an essential role to play in learning, training, and research.  CASA has made an effort to meet with different political parties from across the country to discuss issues of concern for students, including the necessary removal of earnings penalties for students, increasing the proportion of up-front, needs based financial assistance, and reforming study permit policies to make Canada an international education destination.

"We are in Ottawa to speak about issues that concern our nation's students, universities, and colleges, which must remain a top priority for the government," continued Nielsen.  "It is important that MPs and Senators are aware that in order to stay competitive internationally, it is imperative that Canadians be encouraged to pursue post-secondary education, be that at a college, university, or polytechnic."

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization with 24 member associations, representing 300,000 students across Canada. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality.

SOURCE: Canadian Alliance of Student Associations

Cynthia Waldmeier
Media relations
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Cell: 613-894-2128
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