"When this government announced their cutbacks to post-secondary education, we warned that this would create problems," said Ms. Thistle. "I have now received many calls from students who are complaining that they cannot get the courses they need to graduate this fall. I have even received an e-mail from a professor at Memorial University who is telling his students that courses are not being offered because of these cutbacks. He is advising all of his students to write the Premier and complain about this government’s attack on post-secondary education.

"What is this government’s true agenda when it comes to funding education? They have already cut summer jobs for students; caused dozens of jobs cuts at the College of the North Atlantic; reduced some course programming at campuses across the province; and today we see the university cut vital courses and laying off staff. This government’s cutbacks are forcing students to stay in school longer and ensure that both students and parents incur more debt to pay for their education.

"Government is currently spending $250,000 on a White Paper that will look at the post-secondary education system in our province. I fear that government will use this study as an excuse to increase tuition, reduce course offerings even further and close some campuses across the province. If this government was truly committed to education, they would immediately stop the cutbacks and invest in our post-secondary institutions.

"These cuts by Memorial University will do nothing to improve post-secondary education in our province. I hope government realizes their mistake before it is too late."