Carole James has outlined a strong economic plan for B.C. that will make post-secondary education more accessible for all students, including those from remote and rural regions, says North Coast MLA Gary Coons.
“Carole James recognizes the barriers that make it difficult for students to get a post-secondary education,” said Coons. “This plan will make a tremendous difference to people on the North Coast.”
The NDP 5-point plan will:
-Reduce student debt loads with a new $250 million student grants program over three years
-Restore the $50 million budget cut made this spring to colleges and universities so that programs and seats aren’t eliminated and faculty and staff positions won’t be lost
-Cut interest rates in half for student loans; and
-Add $4 million per year for graduate student scholarships for teaching and research and discovery.
During her broadcast Monday evening James said, “In a highly competitive global economy people are our greatest resource – the best thing we can do now to strengthen our economy over the long term is to prepare British Columbians for the high-skilled, high wage, green jobs of the future.”
“Post-secondary education is particularly important to regions like the northwest, where unemployment is high,” said Coons. “Education is a vital part of economic success; skilled workers attract good jobs to communities.”
“Last week, a report by the Canada Millennium Scholarship Fund showed that Gordon Campbell has taken B.C.’s student aid system from first to worst in the country for non-repayable study incentives and grants – and his economic plan continues to ignore the plight of students.”