Most Canadians say high fees block access

A poll released this month by CAUT strongly suggests Canadians are worried that rising tuition fees are preventing qualified high school graduates from getting a university or college education.

The poll reports that more than seven out of 10 Canadians either agree or strongly agree that the rising cost of a post-secondary education is creating an insurmountable financial barrier for many young people.

CAUT president Victor Catano said the survey highlights growing public concerns about the accessibility of Canada's colleges and universities.

“The concerns we're seeing expressed in the survey clearly reflect the real experiences of many Canadian families who are struggling to save and pay for their children's education,” Catano said. “This is an issue that politicians are going to have to recognize more and more.”

The latest Decima Research survey results, from a poll conducted March 13-23, indicate that while 70 per cent of Canadians believe post-secondary education is more important than ever, 67 per cent also believe it is more difficult for young families today to pay for their children's university or college education.

Twenty-eight per cent of Canadians surveyed blame the federal government for the rapid tuition increases of the past 10 years, while 27 per cent point the finger at university and college administrators. About one in five said their provincial government is most responsible for the fee hikes.

“Overall, Canadians feel that governments should be focussing on broadly defined social issues like health care, the environment, education and poverty,” Catano added.

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To read the full article that appeared in the CAUT Bulletin April 2003 issue visit www-archive.caut.ca.