I think certainly our young people's ability to compete worldwide in this knowledge economy is a matter of national interest, and I would agree very strongly that the federal government has a role to play in matters of national interest. There is a need for a broader debate. As Paul Cappon mentioned here, and at different times, there is no vision for post-secondary education in Canada and there are no criteria for success. This is where the federal government could be playing a role and is not and has not in the past.
You're supporting this for the reason you've stated very clearly--it helps students. As limited as it is in some areas, and I think I've indicated some areas and would agree--it excludes mature students, it excludes students who switch programs, it excludes independent students, it excludes a bunch of people--but it does do one thing: it provides help at the time the student needs it.
I'm wondering, what has to happen to move from access grants as they currently are to a comprehensive grant system? From what I'm hearing from you, it sounds as if you would prefer that, and support it, and would probably like the existing government to present something on it.