Science and Research Committee on May 12th, 2022

[Christian Fotang]

Thank you for the question. It's always great to see another U of Alberta alumnus.

In terms of what can be done to support undergraduate students, as I mentioned before, the doubling of the Canada student grant is huge and supports the average rate of tuition for domestic students, which right now is at about $6,180. Doubling the grant from $3,000 to $6,000 was immense. I've heard stories from our students that a family member who was the primary supporter had passed away and that the grant was the difference between being able to stay in school and continue learning versus having to drop out, so that's one way.

We've had some really great conversations here about the importance of funding and supporting student mental health, and I'd be happy to follow up with the committee on some of those strategies.

The other thing is looking at supports for indigenous learners. Some of the successes we've seen here at the U of A are due to having transition-year programs for indigenous students. When they move to the city, it can be a huge process, and having funding that is able to support them and integrate them into the post-secondary experience is important.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Thanks.

What about programs, such as Canada summer jobs, to help you get through the undergraduate years? Do you find them significant or helpful?

[Christian Fotang]

Yes. The Canada summer jobs program and other initiatives have been very beneficial to students. You've got the awards; you've got the scholarships, but when you can get work experience, especially work that is degree-relevant, and get paid for doing it, it can be used to cover other sorts of costs for education, such as your textbooks. Those funds go a really long way too.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Is there anything we can do to help undergrads find jobs with private industry to help pay the bills as they go through? What can we do to encourage private industry to step up as well?

[Christian Fotang]

Some the things that can be done are having those programs you mentioned, the Canada summer jobs, and using things through Mitacs that provide those internship experiences and just promoting them so that students are aware of other opportunities they can utilize to support themselves while they're in university, a college or a polytechnic.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

We need more things like grants, bursaries and scholarships. Do you have any idea of the level of support we should be looking at to help undergraduates get through, succeed and go on, hopefully, to grad school?

[Christian Fotang]

To clarify, do you mean a specific number, or in terms of...?

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Fill in the blanks however you think best.

[Christian Fotang]

As I said, one of the most current and best things that can be done right now is through the Canada student grant. That was doubled from $3,000 to $6,000, but that's supposed to come to an end in 2022-23, and then it's supposed to go back to the $3,000 level. If we can maintain that doubling, it would go a huge way in terms of supports for students.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Is there anything we can do to encourage graduates to go on and start graduate school?

[Christian Fotang]

To come back to why we're here, we're talking about investing in those scholarships, as I mentioned. That's the best incentive to know that you can have that ability to pursue your research and have the supports that you need so that you're not scrambling in a panic and overwhelmed in trying to find the money you need to just stay in school.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Thank you. I see the yellow card, so I will cede my time back to the committee. I would like to thank all of the witnesses for their time today.

[The Chair, Liberal, Kirsty Duncan]

Mr. McKinnon, thank you so very much for doing that.

Madame Vignola and Mr. Cannings, you each have one minute.

[Julie Vignola]

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Mr. Fotang, I will put a question to you quickly. You will likely have to answer it in writing, and I am sorry for that. I would like to get your opinion on two topics. When it appeared before the committee, the Quebec Student Union suggested that student representation be added to the boards of the federal granting councils. I would like to get your opinion on that suggestion.

The union also suggested that the number of “super scholarships” be reduced, but that the number of regular scholarships be increased to help more students. I would also like to get your opinion on that.

Thank you, respected witnesses, for joining us today. Your contribution is precious.

[Christian Fotang]

Regarding super-scholarships—

[The Chair, Liberal, Kirsty Duncan]

Mr. Fotang, I'm sorry; I think Madame Vignola would like that in writing. I didn't make that clear, so I apologize.

We will go to Mr. Cannings for one minute.

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

I would like to stay with Mr. Fotang and ask him very quickly what his thoughts are on tuition fees, loans and interest forgiveness on loans. What does he think are the most important benefits to undergrads?

Mr. McKinnon took most of my questions, but I would like to stick with that. Regarding student loans and tuition fees, what can we do to help?

[Christian Fotang]

Needs-based forms of financial aid that let you attend university in order to graduate and reduce your debt burden are huge. Knowing that you can leave and hopefully start a business or start a family with less debt holding you back is important. That's kind of how we see it.

Understanding that from the federal perspective and providing some of those supports in investments and research scholarships, or through grants or a mental health strategy, are some of the things that can help alleviate the burden students are facing.

[The Chair, Liberal, Kirsty Duncan]

Mr. Fotang, thank you.

I'd like to thank all our witnesses. You have been so gracious with your time, your effort, and your expertise. We know all of you and those that you serve have been impacted by COVID-19 and we want to recognize your service, so thank you to you all. We hope you've had a good experience and we hope you'll continue to engage with this committee.

We'll say good night, and thank you.

The meeting is suspended.

[Proceedings continue in camera]