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
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