The B.C. government should proceed now with a needs-based grant program for post-secondary students, says New Democrat leader Adrian Dix.

“Ensuring access to advanced education must be a cornerstone of any economic growth and jobs plan for the province. Ten years of tuition increases and the elimination of grants by the Liberals have made pursuing higher education increasingly difficult, especially for students from low- and middle-income households and workers needing to upgrade their skills.

“Restoring grants is key to improving accessibility, supporting British Columbians and building a more prosperous economic future,” said Dix.

If elected, a New Democrat government would make a grants program one of its priorities, but the official opposition urges Premier Christy Clark, as she serves out Gordon Campbell’s term in government, to adopt this proposal now under a revamped jobs plan for the province.

“I have met with business leaders from many sectors over the past months, including forestry, construction, high-tech. All rank a growing skills shortage as one of their top concerns. I also have met with young British Columbians and displaced workers who are worried that they cannot get the education and training they need because of the rising cost of post-secondary education. Grants would help many people overcome financial barriers to fulfill their aspirations, and the B.C. economy to secure the skilled labour force it needs,” said Dix.

Dix explained that the non-repayable grant program – eliminated by the Liberals in the 2004-05 fiscal year – should be financed through reinstating a minimum tax on financial institutions.

The B.C. New Democrat leader was joined today by local educators, students, and Kootenay area MLAs Norm MacDonald and Michelle Mungall.

The provincial government has predicted that close to 80 per cent of future jobs will require some level of advanced education. Policy experts are advising that boosting participation in post-secondary education is critical to fending off a skills shortage that could dampen B.C.’s economic competitiveness.

These dynamics are resulting in a growing consensus around improving access to advanced education. Advocates – from the Canadian Federation of Students to the policy advisors for the B.C. Business Council – have recommended that the provincial government put in place programs so more British Columbians, especially those from under-represented groups, can pursue and complete post-secondary programs.

Said MacDonald; “We need a strong post-secondary system, one that is affordable and accessible. Unfortunately, due to the Liberals, tuition has doubled during the past decade. As a result, average student debt has spiralled to a staggering $27,000.

“Saddling students with heavy debts and offering next to no supports as they prepare themselves for B.C.’s job market is doing a disservice to B.C.’s economy. It’s time to change that.”

In 2000, B.C. was a leader in ensuring access to post-secondary education. The province offered a grant program that was second only to Quebec. Tuition also was second lowest in the country, and student debt levels fell below the national average.

“Many occupations require graduate studies or professional certification, in addition to a bachelor’s degree. However, many potential students don’t even start post-secondary education because of the prospect of debt, and they can be forced to stop mid-course because of the debt accumulated during their first years of study. There is clear inverse relationship between a student’s debt level and their likelihood of completing post-secondary education,” explained Mungall, the official opposition’s post secondary critic.

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