Government committed to post-secondary education

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle questioned the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly yesterday, with respect to their position on post-secondary education and tuition rate reductions in the province.

"The opposition have stated in their previous Blue Book that they plan to design a strategic plan for post-secondary education that will balance the interests of public policy with respect to post-secondary education, with forces of the free market. What exactly does this mean, and where is their plan," asked Minister Thistle.

In a recent article that appeared in the Memorial University student newspaper the MUSE, Opposition Leader Danny Williams was asked to comment on the prospect of continuing tuition cuts, to which he said, �the PCs have no plans to change or alter tuition cuts.� However, he could not promise any more fee reductions, stating that he is very concerned about the financial situation he might find the province in, if elected Premier. "Is post-secondary education a priority for the Opposition, and if so, what is their plan," asked Minister Thistle.

"This government is committed to providing students in our province with the best possible post-secondary education system, as evidenced in Budget 2003, which was an education budget," stated Minister Thistle. "This government has listened to the users of the system, our young people, and based on their input we have introduced a number of initiatives to assist them."

• A total revamp of the Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loans Program includes new debt reduction grants, enhanced interest relief and improved earnings exemptions.
• Since 2001, tuition rates reduced for Memorial University�s undergraduate and graduate programs by 25 per cent, making it the lowest Canadian university tuition rate in the country.
• Tuition rates frozen at College of the North Atlantic and the Marine Institute every year since 1998.
• A Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan Tax Credit will provide a non-refundable tax credit for a portion of the principle payment on their Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan. This will be designed in consultation with young people and ready for the 2003 taxation year.
• Youth Opportunities Newfoundland and Labrador program provides funding for students to have meaningful co-operative work terms in their fields of study.
• Assist post-secondary graduates in obtaining �first-time� work experiences by subsidizing wages to employers.
• The Student Investment and Opportunity Corporation (SIOC) has helped more than 7,000 students in this province acquire valuable work experience. In 2003, the province is investing $9.2 million in the SIOC to fund 20 programs designed to enhance chances for career success and lessen the financial burden of post-secondary education.
• Student Work and Service Program (SWASP) provides current or potential post-secondary students with the opportunity to earn wages and tuition vouchers.
• The department is engaged in the creation of a career development framework to address the needs of young people. This framework will enhance the linkage and co-ordination of career development services and resources, as well as identify best practices.
• The department co-manages the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) which will expend approximately $130 million this fiscal year. The agreement�s programs and services foster an entrepreneurial climate and increase labour market participation, particularly for those who rely on the public income supports.

"This government is committed to providing young people in our province with the best possible information to make wise career decisions, to ensure they obtain a high quality, affordable education and of course, to find that all-important first job. Our goal is for young people to choose to live and work in our province, contribute to the economy and build their futures here," said Minister Thistle.

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

2003 05 13                                      3:15 p.m.