OTTAWA, March 5, 2015 /CNW/ - In anticipation of the 2015 federal election, Cape Breton University President David Wheeler is calling for a national debate on free higher education.
"For years, students have been calling for a federal plan for post-secondary education," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "University and college presidents across the country should follow Wheeler's lead and join students in our call for free post-secondary education in Canada."
Tuition fees are the single largest expense for most college and university students, with the average undergraduate student leaving school with upwards of $22,000 in debt. With the one exception of Newfoundland and Labrador, students took on more educated-related debt this year than any previous year to cover the rising cost of a post-secondary education.
"Every year the federal government pours money into back-end programs that reward wealthier families instead of reducing the up-front cost," said McCormick. "It's time for Canada to join the many other countries around the world that have recognized the importance and rationality of providing access to post-secondary education by removing the financial barriers to students."
Students have launched a campaign to ensure post-secondary education issues, including tuition fees, are on the agenda in the 2015 federal election.
The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than one-half million students across Canada. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students
Sarah McCue, Communications Coordinator at 613-232-7394 or [email protected]
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