NLIS 2
July 7, 2005
(Education)


Commitments being kept to strengthen public post-secondary education

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education, today released the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education. The White Paper was highlighted in the 2004 Speech from the Throne and was commissioned as part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s continued commitment to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education opportunities.
An extraordinary level of input is reflected in this policy document. The commissioner, Dr. Wayne Ludlow, and advisor, Cyril Farrell, conducted extensive consultations with 21 key stakeholders, including Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and student groups. Additionally, over 100 written submissions were received from individuals, organizations and educational groups.

"These consultations were very productive," Minister Hedderson said. "They were instrumental in confirming the direction government is moving with reforms that build a strong and responsive post-secondary system."

Minister Hedderson said the White Paper deserves high marks for delivering stronger educational opportunities. "It shows our continued commitment to quality public post-secondary education. Even with the Atlantic Accord money, we are faced with limited resources and have to make strategic decisions. We need an educated workforce with the knowledge and skills to lead us into the future. That�s why we�re building such a solid post-secondary foundation. It is also why we are investing $89.75 million in new money over the next three years in our post-secondary system."

The policy review examined all aspects of the province�s public post-secondary system. A key recommendation includes a three-year tuition freeze at Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic. "We want to see more students availing of post-secondary opportunities," said the minister. "We have made sizeable spending commitments to education in our budgets. Earlier this year, we announced a tuition freeze to provide students some stability when they make education choices. Just last month, we announced improvements to the student loan program, such as an increase in maximum student loan limits."

The minister added that government�s priorities are to maintain stable funding to Memorial University and the College, promote further integration of services and increase accountability and planning. "We are also providing funding to expand research capacity, support improvements to building infrastructure and ensure our valued post-secondary institutions keep pace with technology advances," he said.

Over the next three years, government will invest nearly $90 million to implement White Paper strategies. Key investments include:

  • $25.6 million to offset the three-year tuition freeze;
  • $9 million to support an infrastructure fund-raising campaign;
  • $22.5 million in a research fund;
  • $3 million to Sir Wilfred Grenfell for new programming;
  • and $22.7 million for increased grants-in-aid to MUN and the college.

"It is important to note that funding commitments in the White Paper stretch beyond this year and are consistent with government�s approach to long-term planning, accountability and sound infrastructure planning," Minister Hedderson said.

The White Paper speaks to the importance of the post-secondary system for the social and economic development of the province. The minister noted that the government is striving for greater institutional links to economic development. "The White Paper is about partnerships � between institutions, and between institutions and the communities they serve. We also recognize the importance of linking regional economic development with labour market needs. As such, we are investing additional resources in Sir Wilfred Grenfell and the public college system. We want to see rural Newfoundland and Labrador grow, and we will continue to make strategic investments to see that happen," said Minister Hedderson.

The White Paper recognizes, and government is responding to, the needs of students who face more barriers than most in accessing a post-secondary education. New funding in the student loan program will make it easier for students to afford to live in other regions to attend school. As well, the province is developing an adult learning campaign, a new Adult Basic Education (ABE) program delivery model and a new General Educational Development (GED) preparation program.

There is also an emphasis on extending the post-secondary involvement of Aboriginal students. "One area of our province that is experiencing growth is our Aboriginal communities. We must continue to ensure Aboriginal participation in post-secondary training and we will persist in securing access to federal programs for members of these communities. We will also budget $250,000 to assess facility requirements at the college in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to accommodate growth in Aboriginal enrolment," said Minister Hedderson.

Consultation participants relayed that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians not only place a high value on our post-secondary system, but are extremely proud of our university and college. Participants also emphasized the strength of our one university/one college system and stressed the need to strengthen ties between these nationally acclaimed institutions. "We have much to build on," said the minister. "Our Marine Institute, for example, has an international reputation as a leader in marine and ocean technology and training. We want to build on our strengths and we�re going to work with our educational partners to see that happen."

The White Paper also supports a vision of the province becoming an international leader in applied environmental research and development. Budget 2005 committed $500,000 to a master plan and feasibility studies for the creation of a Centre for Environmental Excellence in Corner Brook.

"The White Paper reflects our collective views of the path our public post-secondary education system must take in the coming years. The strategies which have already been identified, and the ones that will be further explored, are designed to ensure we have an education system that is affordable and accessible. We are working closely with our post-secondary partners to ensure our students embrace all the opportunities the future has to offer," added Minister Hedderson.
More information on the White Paper and government�s public post-secondary education policies are available online at www.gov.nl.ca/edu

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047

  1. Backgrounder: White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education
  2. Backgrounder: Summary of Strategies
  3. Backgrounder: What We Heard: A Report on The Consultations on Public Post-Secondary Education in Newfoundland and Labrador
     

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
"Foundation for Success: The White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education"

White Paper - Background

Q. What is a "white paper"?
A white paper is the formal term for an official document that presents policy proposals, sometimes in a technical manner, which have been endorsed by the government. The term originates from the British government practice of distinguishing shorter position papers from lengthier documents that present detailed findings and prospective legislation.

Q. What was said in the 2004 Speech from the Throne about the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education?
Excerpt from Speech from the Throne delivered on March 18, 2004: "Higher levels of education mean higher incomes for graduates and stronger investment opportunities for the economy. My Government will commission a White Paper on Post-secondary Education to examine post-secondary concerns, affordability and accessibility and to identify initiatives that will enhance the employment prospects of graduates. The White Paper will also examine whether our university and public college are meeting their potential to attract investment and generate economic development opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. With their world-class instructors and technological resources, these public institutions are well-positioned to partner with industry and the community to conduct a wide range of basic and applied research that has strong economic development opportunities."

Q. Who prepared the White Paper?
The 2004 Speech from the Throne committed the province to commissioning a white paper on post-secondary education. On June 29, 2004, the Minister of Education announced that the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education had been established. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador prepared the White Paper based on research and consultations it commissioned. Wayne Ludlow was appointed Commissioner and Cyril Farrell served as Advisor.


Q. Where can I get a copy of the Terms of Reference?
There were three primary areas for review: the existing post-secondary structure, the funding of post-secondary education, and the impacts of population changes. The White Paper�s terms of reference are available online at www.ed.gov.nl.ca

Q. Did the Commissioner listen to the views of stakeholders?
Yes. The Commissioner held consultations with key stakeholders including Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic, student groups, and business and industry representatives. As well, a Web site dedicated to the White Paper process was established, and over 100 written submissions were received.

Q. Why did it take nearly a year for the White Paper to be released?
The consultation phase concluded at the end of 2004 and the decision-making took another six months. The importance of the White Paper shaping post-secondary education for the next three years speaks to the need for careful deliberation of the decisions being taken.

White Paper - Students

Q. How will students benefit directly from Government's response to the White Paper?
The White Paper makes some significant policy undertakings for the way post-secondary education will operate in Newfoundland and Labrador.

First, there will be a three-year tuition freeze. This will impact about 25,000 students participating at MUN and CNA.

Second, student loan program changes will impact about 7,250 of the 11,500 students who borrow money through the program to finance their studies. Enhancements include:

  • Increased weekly loan limit from $110 to $140. We forecast 5,000 of these students will be eligible for more borrowing, or about 43 percent of the 11,500 currently using this program. This is extremely important, as today 40 percent of our students are borrowing at the maximum loan levels, and we have not been able to give them additional financial help to participate in post-secondary education;

  • 700 students currently receiving the debt reduction grant will receive higher amounts of debt reduction grants (reflects those receiving grants today and they will receive higher grants);

  • An additional 800 new middle- to low-income families will have access to the student loan program. The program is income-tested, whereby parental income is used to assess how much a dependant student can receive. We are moving the income threshold that is allowing more students with parents who have higher incomes to be eligible for program; and,

  • An additional 750 students will be eligible for interest relief (i.e., 10 percent more will be eligible for this program).

Information about student loans can be found online at www.edu.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/

Q. Is there anything in the White Paper and government's response to make it easier for students living in more remote parts of the province to access public post-secondary education?
There are a number of policy changes that should improve the quality of post-secondary education opportunities for students from rural areas. These include:

  • tuition freeze, enhanced student loan limits, more people qualifying for the debt reduction grant will help level the paying field for rural students who have to travel to another town to study and live;

  • no campus closures and an enhanced role for all college campuses;

  • resources to Sir Wilfred Grenfell in Corner Brook;

  • enhanced funding for distance learning, and the establishment of a distance education committee;

  • greater institutional links to regional economic development;

  • commitment to research and innovation to support Innovation Strategy and Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy.

Given that tuition is only a small percentage of the cost of attending post-secondary institutions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has long recognized that students living away from home carry a significant financial burden. This is true not only for rural students who attend Memorial University, but also for both rural and urban students who choose to study at one of the 17 College of the North Atlantic campuses throughout the Province.

The Debt Reduction Grant Program was designed to level the playing field and create financial equity for these students. It provides non-repayable grants to graduates who, because of financial need, borrowed at the upper limits. If borrowers qualify, arrangements are made to reduce or eliminate the principal amount of the provincial loan. Under the Debt Reduction Program, it is possible for most of the Newfoundland Student Loan debt to be fully paid by the provincial government, leaving only the debt incurred through the Canada Student Loan Program to be serviced.

White Paper - Implementation

Q. What are the projected timelines for implementing the White Paper strategies?
We have identified actions that we will take towards implementing the White Paper strategies. Most students will see the impact immediately with the tuition freeze and changes to the student loan program. Over the next three years, students should also see improvements to the services provided to them from MUN and CNA as the improvements in coordination should be fully operational by then.

Q. Is the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to implementing all of the strategies in the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education?
Yes. A white paper outlines policy directions that become the government�s official policy.

White Paper - Costs

Q. How much will it cost to implement the White Paper strategies?
The White Paper strategies will cost an estimated $89.75 million for three years. The most significant is the cost of implementing a tuition freeze. This estimate was calculated based on a review of the financial requirements of the institutions and historical spending patterns.

Q. How is the money allocated in Budget 2005 being spent on White Paper strategies?
The provincial budget provided a notional allocation of $10.7 million for White Paper initiatives. This includes $6.9 million in operating monies ($0.5M for student loan changes, $0.5M for distance education, $1.0M for Sir Wilfred Grenfell, $3.3M for MUN grant-in-aid, and $1.6M for College of the North Atlantic GIA) and $4.0 million in capital investments ($3.0M for infrastructure and $1.0M for technology fund for College of the North Atlantic).

Q. Where can I find information about the job prospects, salaries and debt levels of recent post-secondary graduates?
The Department of Education prepares CareerSearch, a biennial publication that provides information on recent graduates from public and private post-secondary institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador. Copies are available online at https://os.edu.gov.nf.ca/csp/pkgmain.start_css
 

2005 07 07                 11:25 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement