A new national survey shows that Canadians widely believe that qualified students should have access to education regardless of their financial circumstances. Government cuts to student grants are misaligned with Canadian values.
- 77% of Canadians considered government spending on student grants a good public investment
- 82% of Canadians believe access to post-secondary education is important, especially in British Columbia and Quebec
- 69% of Canadians are concerned about students being able to afford post-secondary education in the future — with less concern in Quebec where domestic tuition fees are lower
This new data shows that all Canadians, not just those paying tuition bills, see the value in affordable post-secondary education.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government slashed its student grant program. Federal student grants are set to decrease at the end of this academic year. Additionally, tuition fees have increased 20% over the last five years, with the annual cost rising over $10,000 in three provinces. The negative impacts of reduced or stagnating grants are amplified by these tuition fee increases.
Eighty-nine per cent of Canadians anticipate a negative impact on students and families if grants are eliminated or reduced. Additionally, the majority do not feel that loans are sufficient to replace student grant funding. Only 31% of Canadians agree that post-secondary students don’t need government grants if they can access loans to pay for their education.
