Students applaud the federal government's continued actions on affordable postsecondary education:

OTTAWA, ON, April 16, 2024 /CNW/- The federal budget for 2024 was presented today by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. This budget is a clear and intentional step forward in supporting post-secondary students across the country, as well as a direct reflection of many of the concerns raised by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the Union étudiante du Québec (UEQ) during their pre-budget advocacy.

For the past decade, CASA and the federal government have shared concerns about student finances, resulting in substantial increases in support for low-income students' education, as well as initiatives such as last year's pledge to interest-free federal student loans. Students are especially happy with the extension of the Canada Student Grants from $3000 to $4200 for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the interest-free Canada Student Loans from $210 to $300 per week, and eligibility changes for the Canada Learning Bond. Furthermore, the permanent deletion of the credit screening requirement for mature students applying for Canada Student Grants and Loans for the first time opens up opportunities for mature students to pursue postsecondary education.

Indigenous students throughout the country are also celebrating a $242.7 million investment over three years beginning in 2024-2025 to preserve access to postsecondary education through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 11.

Housing has repeatedly been ranked as the top priority for most postsecondary students across the country. Today's Budget investment in on- and off-campus housing through the Housing Accelerator fund, additional funding for the Apartment Loan Construction Program, and the elimination of GST on new student residences will encourage Canada's educational institutions to build more student housing for domestic and international students, increasing student and consumer purchasing power in the housing market.

Furthermore, modernizing the shelter calculations for student aid will result in greater precision and more funds in Canadian students' pockets.

Furthermore, Budget 2024 proposes a $825 million investment over five years, beginning in 2024-25, with $199.8 million per year thereafter, to enhance the annual value of master's and doctorate student scholarships, as well as post-doctoral fellowships. This will also enhance the number of research scholarships and fellowships available, resulting in about 1,720 more graduate students or fellows benefiting year. 

In addition, CASA supports SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR's $1.8 billion investment in core research funding over five years. After more than 20 years, graduate students and post-doctoral students celebrate the impact this announcement will have on Canadian productivity and academics' ability to solve problems for decades to come. .

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations remains dedicated to working with the federal government on any policies that can benefit Canadian students, as well as executing those stated today. Today's statement demonstrates an interest in the student voice, and CASA looks forward to further collaboration by continuing to convey the concerns and needs of Canada's postsecondary students.

Quotes:

"Today students are celebrating the investments in Budget 2024. We are pleased to see the holistic approach of the government to ensure generational fairness through post-secondary education. Supporting post-secondary education financially means you are setting up the next generation of Canada's workforce for success."

- Sadie Mc Alear, Chair of CASA

"The Quebec Student Union has been alerting the Government of Canada for several years of the deterioration of university research caused by insufficient financial assistance for our student researchers. We welcome that the government has put an end to the hemorrhage and we will continue to advocate for a permanent solution to address increased cost-of-living for our student researchers."

- Catherine Bibeau-Lorrain, President of UEQ

About CASA.
The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, founded in 1995, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit national student organization comprised of 25 student associations across the country. CASA represents 365,000 postsecondary students across Canada through a relationship with the Quebec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec.

About UEQ.
The Union étudiante du Québec (UEQ) represents 100,000 students from 11 student unions around Quebec. The UEQ's objective is to defend the rights and interests of the student community, its member associations, and their members by promoting, safeguarding, and improving the conditions of students as well as local and international communities.

SOURCE: Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.

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