The answer is relatively simple. We are betraying the next generation by offering very poor financial conditions to support students.
Fewer and fewer Canadians are choosing to study at the master's and doctoral levels. All Canadian universities are recruiting increasing numbers of students internationally, many of whom then return to their countries of origin. Since Canadians are generous, we therefore contribute to the development of research and innovation around the world.
We should begin by establishing an excellent scholarship system to ensure that study at the master's and doctoral levels is an attractive proposition. As I mentioned in my statement, all these individuals will then contribute to the Canadian economy by holding a series of positions. It's a well-known fact that the more people study at university, the less unemployment they encounter in their careers. They regenerate the economy throughout their careers, even if only as a result of their training. The talent pool is thus the starting point.
The second point to consider is that more students are being forced to take jobs because they can't make ends meet on their university scholarships alone. This takes up time that they should be spending on their studies. Students across the country now tend to take longer to complete post-secondary studies. Here too, we're doing ourselves a disservice. We should instead be encouraging them to finish their education sooner by providing proper support, as was done for our generation, so they can focus entirely on their studies while at university.