The Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations

Suite 233, 1657 Barrington St. Halifax, NS B3J 2A1. (902) 422-4068 ____________________________________________________________________________________

ANSSA Welcomes Minister Streatch

(Halifax, NS) – The Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations (ANSSA), representing over 75% of students in Nova Scotia, looks forward to working with newly appointed Education Minister Judy Streatch.

Last year, the Government committed to reducing tuition to the national average by 2010. ANSSA looks forward to seeing this goal through to fruition with Minister Streatch. Nova Scotia is host to eleven universities and thirteen community colleges which boast high quality and innovative practices in education. “Investing in our resources requires a long term commitment on behalf of our governments. An integral aspect of this investment involves a commitment to reduce tuition fees in Nova Scotia to the national average by 2010-2011,” says Matt Risser, ANSSA President.

In the wake of economic uncertainly, it is imperative that post-secondary education remain a high government priority. “Census data tells us that an aging population will soon leave Nova Scotia without a viable workforce.” says Matt Risser, ANSSA President. In an effort to curb this trend, the government must actively work to lessen the burden on students and create financial incentives for them to remain within the province.

Education is a critical piece of the ‘provincial prosperity’ puzzle. Investment in education is an investment in Nova Scotia’s political, social, and economic capital. “As a former educator, we are confident that Minister Streatch understands the value of an accessible, affordable, and high quality post-secondary education” says Kelly Wilson, ANSSA Executive Director.

ANSSA also wishes to thank and congratulate former Education Minister Karen Casey on a productive and successful term. Throughout the last two years ANSSA has been impressed with the government’s record on post-secondary education, including the implementation of a tuition freeze and reduction, the introduction of grants, and several positive changes to the student financial aid system. We wish her the best of luck in her new portfolio.

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For more information contact:

Mark Coffin Executive Director

Tel: 902.422.4068 Email ed@anssa.ca