Accessing information and updates on student loans just got easier with the introduction of a toll-free phone number. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said today that improvements to the system mean when students call during regular work hours to speak with a student aid representative, they can do so free of charge.

"Prior to this, the toll-free line simply provided access to the automated system," said Minister Burke. "If students wanted to speak to someone at the student aid office, those outside the St. John�s area incurred long-distance charges. This was an onerous, and I believe unnecessary, expense. Many students need to speak directly with a student aid official and I am pleased that from now on they can do so without incurring long-distance charges."

Improving the toll-free service at the student aid office was made possible through investments made in Budget 2008. More than $280,000 was provided to improve services to students under the student aid program, part of the additional $27 million allocated for the post-secondary education system this year.

Since fiscal year 2005-06, the Provincial Government has committed $62.4 million for a tuition freeze at Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic, the introduction of up-front, needs-based grants, and the reduction of interest on student loans to prime. Combined with debt reduction grants, Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the best student aid packages in the country � a package that is drawing students from across the Atlantic Provinces to Memorial University.

"A recent report shows a 15 per cent increase in students coming from the Maritimes to study in this province, while the number of students leaving here to study elsewhere in Atlantic Canada has decreased by 54 per cent in the past five years," said Minister Burke. "This is confirmation that our investments are well-spent. We want our young people to stay in this province. We know that�s not always possible with high student debt, and we�ve consulted with students to ensure we make the best, most prudent investments. Today�s announcement is one more initiative that will improve student services."

To speak to a student aid representative, students can call toll-free 1-888-657-0800. Students are also encouraged to continue to use other available services such as e-mail (studentaid@gov.nl.ca), web-based services (www.gov.nl.ca/studentaid) or visit the student aid office located in Coughlan College on MUN campus.

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Media contact:

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

2008 07 09                                                      2:30 p.m.