Free tuition – Sarah Cousineau – February 17, 2019
Canadian students are in the midst of a 28 billion dollar debt crisis. Meanwhile, the Government of Canada is generating millions of dollars from student loans.
Tuition should be free or to say the least, affordable. Today’s students pay more interest on student loans than many people do on their mortgage. By the end of their studies, students without up-front money will end up paying thousands of dollars in interest, and that’s not including their tuition fees.
An educated population goes far beyond the monetary aspect. Former U.S. Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter draws a parallel with education and several other aspects of life.
“It’s about crime reduction, it’s about health, it’s about happiness,” she says.
Ultimately, it is directly linked with national security.
Director of state relations and policy analysis Tom Harnisch said education contributes to jump-starting the economy and aids filling crucial positions in high-demand fields.
Former President of the United States Barack Obama also believes in affordable education for every citizen of his country.
“No hardworking student should be stuck in the red,” he says.
A solid foundation of education and training are pillars for worthy work opportunities.
Canadian Alliance of students association executive director Michael McDonald explains how an educated population is key to a strong labour force. The expertise and aptitudes of post-secondary graduates brings valuable contribution to the communities. McDonald reiterates the importance of accessible education for everyone despite a person’s financial status.
CASA’s produced a paper which included different solutions to remedy students monetary struggles. Access to financial aid during the studies as well as lowering the interest rates of students when studies are completed. The Canadian Federation of Students pointed out that the federal government could provide interest-free loans to students, such as they currently provide to Bombardier.
Other solutions have been proposed to make education affordable such as lower-cost online degree programs. Florida Senator Marco Rubio proposed to restore vocational schools in an attempt to get people straight in their field of work after high school.
In conclusion, an educated population boost the national security and benefit the economy of the country. It contributes considerably to the labour force as well as enhance the quality of life of each and everyone.
Well argued. You use voices from different sides of the debate to illustrate how everyone values education.
ReplyDeleteSmart post Sarah. Students paying more interest on loans than some people pay on their mortgages is a terrible thought. I heard something on the radio the other day about the financial officer proposing to eliminate student loan interest, I still have to fact check that though. Hopefully theres truth in that. I think the idea of online degrees and vocational schooling would be a great option for many.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Students pay a crazy amount of interest on student loans, and I didn't realize it's more than a mortgage!
ReplyDeleteChange definitely needs to be made.