Government announces new opportunities program for youth

Today�s Throne Speech introduced the establishment of a Youth Opportunities Newfoundland and Labrador Program. This initiative is designed to encourage post-secondary graduates with student loan debt to stay and work in the province following graduation and remain active participants in their communities.

"This province could make no greater investment than in its youth," said Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle. "This government believes a well-educated population is essential to economic prosperity and social well-being.

"Youth out-migration, youth employment, student debt, rural revitalization and business expansion are issues we continue to address. This new program will provide incentives for employers who hire co-operative work-term students and those who hire new graduates, making it easier for these individuals to find meaningful employment and pay off their student debts by working right here in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Government�s commitment to the youth of this province was secured by the establishment of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education. Over the past two years, tuition rates at Memorial University have been reduced by 20 per cent and will decrease by a further five per cent in September 2003. Tuition at Memorial University is now the lowest in Canada. During the past four years, government also froze tuition at the College of the North Atlantic.

"Tuition rates for public post-secondary institutions in this province are now among the lowest in the country," Minister Thistle. "We have also made significant changes to our student aid program that are helping to reduce student debt load."

Finalization of the program details will take place following a roundtable of students and stakeholders - a decision-making process that will involve youth, including members of the province�s Youth Advisory Committee, who provided valuable input in the redesign of the provincial student loan program.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6573

2003 03 19                                       3:15 p.m.