"I am very upset with the approach being taken by this government," said Thistle. "When pressed by the media yesterday, the Minister admitted to cutting $1.2 million from student employment programs. I have since confirmed that the cuts will exceed $3 million. These cuts are just from the student employment programs in this year’s budget and do not cover other areas.

"Money from government is used to help students around the province find work during the summer. When I questioned her during question period yesterday she dodged the question."

The MHA is concerned that the loss of this money will result in an extra burden on students who already face large debt loads when they go to university or other post-secondary institutions. "The impact of these cuts will particularly hurt rural areas of the province where large retail chains and other student employment options are not available. The government is trying to cut the heart out of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. These continued attacks against rural areas is evidence of the government’s indirect resettlement agenda."

The Liberal MHA is looking for the Minister Responsible for Youth Services, Joan Burke, to provide a detailed listing of the impact the reduction of over $3 million for student employment programs will have on students. The Minister must also answer for the $3 million for the cancelled tax relief program which allowed students to get a tax credit when paying their student loans. "I want to know how many people will be affected. The Minister needs to tell the people how many summer jobs and students are affected by her cuts."