Students and universities ignored in four-year vision presented in government’s throne speech

(Halifax) – Students and universities are given only a passing mention in the government’s “four-year vision” unveiled in the speech from the throne this afternoon. Representatives from the Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations (ANSSA), representing over 80% of university students in the province, insist that such a vision needs to go much further than providing a graduate tax rebate that has proven to be ineffective in other jurisdictions.

“This government has recognized that education and training are the answer to the impending workforce shortage,” said Mark Coffin, Executive Director of ANSSA. “Unfortunately, they haven’t implemented any measures that will make post-secondary education any more accessible to students.”

In 2006, a report by the Education Policy Institute branded Nova Scotia as the least affordable jurisdiction in North America in which to pursue a degree. Earlier this year, one of the authors of that report reaffirmed our student assistance system as being “one of the weakest in North America”.

“If the government is serious about creating a long-term vision for Nova Scotia, a well funded and accessible education system must be a part of that vision,” added Emma Cullen, ANSSA Chair. “The government needs to invest in our underfunded university system, increase grants to low-income and high need students, and implement a long term tuition reduction strategy for the province.”

Students are hopeful that these recommendations will be incorporated into the province’s review of universities that is currently being conducted by Dr. Tim O’Neil.

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