News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Critic pressures government on post-secondary issues:  Will Conservative government keep election promises?
February 4, 2004

Opposition Post-Secondary Education critic Anna Thistle says she has not seen any indications that the Conservative Government intends to keep any of their election promises in relation to Post Secondary Education.

"Given the ways this government is trying to back away from most of the promises they made during the election, I fear for the possible closure of college campuses and the future of all post-secondary students in this province," says Thistle.

The Liberal MHA also provided a list of "Key Commitments" made by the PC Party during the last election and commented on the status of each of the promises. "I see no evidence that they are doing anything to move forward with these promises. In fact, I am very fearful that government will again back off from their commitments and even reverse some of the progress that has been made while trying to use the financial situation of the province as an excuse."

Thistle says education was one of the top priorities of the Liberal Government when they were in power and post-secondary education is one of the areas that highlights the differences in approach taken by the two governments. "We believe in investing in people and providing opportunities for the young people of this province. The Conservative government is intent on pursuing a right wing agenda that focuses only on balancing the financial budget through a reduction in social values without any real plan for growing the economy and generating new revenue."

The Liberal MHA says at this time when important decisions are being made by new students and those graduating in April, the Minister of Education should clarify what the governments plans are in relation to post-secondary education. "It is vitally important for students in this province to continue to keep their message front and centre to prevent the Conservative government from cutting funding to post-secondary institutions as a cost saving measure and forcing increases in tuition fees."

 

Post-Secondary Education

Blue Book Commitments (pages 12-13 and

54-55)

Status of commitment

Implement a tuition freeze at Memorial University

Government may use fiscal situation as an excuse not to implement.

Make the remission process more efficient and user friendly for students.

No evidence of any action taken on this issue.

Eliminate and reduce taxes for low-income students

Not yet implemented and no indications when it will be.

Offset increased operating costs and lost revenue from previous tuition cuts to Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic, so they can maintain the current level and quality of programs.

Not yet implemented and no indications when it will be.

 

Government may use fiscal situation as an excuse not to implement.

Introduce a loan remission program and needs-based grants that will make post-secondary education accessible and affordable for all qualified students.

Not yet implemented and no indications when it will be.

Create an incentive program through a business income tax credit for employers to recruit new graduates.

Not yet implemented and no indications when it will be.

Work with the federal government to improve student financial assistance to better support students in need and ensure effective implementation of the Canada Student Grants, for students with disabilities.

No evidence of any action taken on this issue.

Introduce more courses in information and communications technology.

No evidence of any action taken on this issue.

Encourage post-secondary educational institutions to offer courses through extension of services, distance education and the Internet.

Post-secondary institutions have been doing this on their own and there has been no new initiative from the government on this issue.

Double student representation on the Board of Regents at Memorial University to ensure students have a greater voice in university affairs.

 

Not yet implemented and no indications when it will be.

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427