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NLIS 2 September 12, 2003 (Executive Council) (Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education) Premier and Minister hold productive meeting with Canadian Federation of Students Premier Roger Grimes and Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle are pleased with talks held Wednesday with representatives of the Canadian Federation of Students. "My government listens to the most important users of our education system - our young people. They have told us that education is a priority and as a government we are committed to ensuring that it is accessible and affordable," said Premier Grimes. "We are enhancing the involvement of young people in the government decision-making process and the Canadian Federation of Students has a major role to play." Government�s goal is to ensure that the rate of post-secondary participation in Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest in the country and that all learners achieve credentials that will ensure a bright future both for students and the province. "Education is the engine that drives economic growth, social well-being and individual prosperity," said Minister Thistle. "Our province�s post-secondary institutions are the hub of innovation, creative thinking and new and fresh ideas, and I was extremely pleased to have met with the students who represent the users of these high quality facilities." "The Canadian Federation of Students is a key partner in bringing about change with respect to post-secondary education in this country," continued Minister Thistle. "Their voice is needed in our lobby efforts to encourage the federal government to increase its investment." Premier Grimes said, "the positive changes we have made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Student Aid program are among the most progressive in the country and I am extremely proud of our record of commitment to post-secondary education." The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has worked consistently over the past five years to freeze and lower tuition fees at our public post-secondary institutions, when in many other provinces tuition has consistently increased. This province has the lowest Canadian university tuition rate in the country, and is the only province in which tuition has decreased this year. Newfoundland and Labrador also has the fourth-lowest public college tuition rate in the country. The Premier has committed to a leaders� debate at Memorial University to address issues discussed at Wednesday's meeting, which include tuition fees, the continuation of grants, and increased funding to the public and private post-secondary education system. This event will be organized by the Canadian Federation of Students and is expected to take place in early October. Media contact: 2003 09 12 11:40 a.m. |
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