February 21, 2002
Government Support for Students
Question to Shirley Bond, Minister of Advanced Education
R. Lee: My question is to the Minister of Advanced Education. Critics are saying that recent government decisions are not putting students first. As my riding is close to Simon Fraser University, many of my constituents have been calling me and asking for clarification of the issue. Can the Minister of Advanced Education tell us whether those reports are true?
Hon. S. Bond: I am pleased to be able to stand in the House today and say that our government is putting students in this province first. At a time of incredible fiscal challenge in this province, our government committed over $6 billion in this province to protect services to students and to work with them. I'm proud - more than $6 billion in education and advanced education.
R. Lee: I understand there have been changes to the B.C. student financial assistance program. Could the Minister of Advanced Education tell us what those changes are and how they will affect the benefits of students?
Hon. S. Bond: Mr. Speaker, in fact, we have made changes to the student financial assistance program and moved some of the grants to loans in the first year. Having said that, the part of the story that seems to be missing is the fact that it will allow more student financial assistance - in fact...$15 a week more for students with no dependents, which will give them, in fact, $500 more over an eight month period.
In addition to that, we realize that some students may be challenged at the end of their post-secondary experience. We're going to enhance their ability and help them pay back those loans in an appropriate way. We're also going to ensure that we have the ability to help as many students as possible. That's why we made that decision.
