Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program

In the Legislative Assembly on June 6th, 1995. See this topic in context.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment questions about the student financial assistance program. The Minister indicated that the information and terms of reference were sent to Members. I received my package this morning. The Minister indicated that he would like our advice on this proposal and the terms of reference, so I would like to take this opportunity to give my comments and suggestions.

The review is quite timely and I believe it is dictated by the huge demands and less money. From what I read in the documents, there are strong indications that there will probably be cutbacks, reductions or some significant changes to how benefits are allocated to the students. It always seems that when cutbacks are being contemplated, this government seems to hire consultants so they can give us the bad news. But when good news and increases in services and programs are made, the Ministers or deputy ministers are always front and centre.

As I mentioned, the review is timely and we do need a proper evaluation of the program. I, and I'm sure other Members of this House, get lots of calls from students and they mainly complain about the benefits and the timeliness of their payments.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Koe, your time is up. Mr. Koe.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

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Fred Koe Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Inuvik is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Koe.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, there are lots of complaints about the timeliness of payments. I have some suggestions for the contractor who is doing the review. These, I don't believe, were highlighted in the terms of reference. One of the key groups that must be consulted with, as I mentioned yesterday, are parents. Other than the students, themselves, I think the parents are the people most impacted by changes to benefits and financial assistance for students. They have to be included as part of the study.

The other groups are the aboriginal groups. I know that many aboriginal groups are now providing, through whatever resources they have, bursaries and scholarships to supplement student income. They have to be consulted. The other groups are the counsellors and administrators of the colleges, universities and high schools who provide advice to students when they are filling out applications or when they get to the university or college.

Another group who are highly impacted by the current financial assistance programs are single parents. They seem to have the most difficulty with adjusting to post-secondary education, especially if they have to move a great distance. Careful consideration has to be given to this group of students.

Also, under phase I of the terms of reference, attention must be paid, as I mentioned, to the timeliness of payments made to students. Currently, most students need large amounts of cash when they first get to university or college, either to pay their room and board or to pay their tuition fees and books. I believe their first cheques are one or two weeks after they register and they submit receipts. It may be a month. This is a concern, especially for first-time students who are not aware of the needs for cash when they first go south or wherever they are.

I hope the Minister will consider these comments and incorporate them into the review.

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

June 5th, 1995

Page 1141

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Applause

Review Of Student Financial Assistance Program
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1141

The Chair

The Chair Tony Whitford

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.