Education
March 7, 2007

Education Minister Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Student Debt

Recognizing that high student debt and graduate retention are challenges this province is facing, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will meet with those among the most concerned by these issues � the students and graduates themselves. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, will host a roundtable discussion today (Wednesday, March 7) in Corner Brook with students from around the province. The plan is to investigate creative options that will lead to reduced student debt.

�We have a common goal � to make post-secondary education the most affordable and accessible we can within our fiscal means,� said Minister Burke. �We know the challenges new graduates face. Because of this, we are sensitive to the needs of potential and current students. This is why we are seeking the input of students and graduates. We are interested in exploring options that will ease the burden on students and help them stay and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The minister pointed out that government has already made considerable investments in post-secondary education, from the three-year, $90 million White Paper commitments, to the additional $60 million that was allocated for post-secondary education this year. Over $25 million is being spent annually to maintain the tuition freeze. �We have one of the best student financial aid packages in the country, with low tuition plus debt reduction grants that have the potential to wipe out the provincial portion of the student loan,� said Minister Burke. �Having said that, we do not want to drop the ball, but build on these initiatives by exploring various options with students.�

Minister Burke has invited representatives from the Canadian Federation of Students, student unions from all public post-secondary institutions, the private colleges and the Youth Advisory Committee. In addition, some individual graduates have been invited to attend. �A number of graduates have been in the media in recent months outlining their challenges with loan repayments and I believe they have a lot to offer our discussion,� said the minister.

A number of options have been proposed for discussion at the roundtable, including the implementation of low income grants, enhancement of eligibility for debt reduction grants and the introduction of skilled shortage grants.

�This roundtable is for an exchange of ideas and I am very much looking forward to frank, open and honest dialogue,� said Minister Burke.

The minister will be available to the media at the conclusion of the roundtable, which is scheduled for 3:30 � 5:30 p.m., at the Greenwood Inn, Corner Brook on Wednesday, March 7.

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 03 07                                     9:30 a.m.


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