Students to Dalton McGuinty: Keep your election promise. Reduce tuition fees

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Representatives of students, professors and high school teachers held a press conference this morning at Queen's Park to call on the Ontario government to make college and university education more affordable for all students. Tens of thousands of students across Canada are expected to participate in the National Student Day of Action in dozens of cities and towns across Canada.

"Students were told that a vote for Dalton McGuinty would be a vote for lower tuition fees. Unfortunately, this promise has turned into a tuition grant for a few, leaving more than two-thirds of students with no help, and thousands with less financial assistance than they currently have," said Sandy Hudson, Chairperson of Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "Students, staff and faculty are united in their call for lower tuition fees, reduced student debt and increased funding," she added.

Today's press conference outlined students' plans for tomorrow's National Day of Action, the first one held in five years. This year, national student debt nearly reached $15 billion and current policies will enable this amount to climb. Events will be held in cities across Ontario and a list of events can be seen here.

"Students and their families feel betrayed by Dalton McGuinty's misleading election promise," said Hudson. "We look forward to working with the government to make sure this promise is kept and all students get relief."

The Canadian Federation of Students unites more than 600,000 college and university undergraduate and graduate students in all ten provinces.

Sandy Hudson, Chairperson: 416-882-7742 (mobile)
Nora Loreto, Communications and Government Relations Coordinator: 416-925-3825