Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the witnesses for coming out here today.
We have some out-of-control inflationary spending and out-of-control spending as well, and it's causing inflation, I guess. Those on fixed and lower incomes are being particularly hit, especially students, and they are finding it difficult to live.
After eight years of this government, there are some startling statistics that I want to share with you. Rent has doubled. Students are now paying 25% more for housing than the average Canadian renter is. We've heard stories of students living in homeless shelters. Inflation reached a 40-year high last year. Interest costs have increased to a 15-year high. Forty per cent of undergraduate students and 50% of graduate students say they are worried about running out of food. Food bank use on campus is reaching new highs. Food is becoming unaffordable, and we continue to see more Canadians skipping meals.
This is for all three of you, and you'll be able to elaborate here. Not only has this government not increased scholarships and fellowship programs, but the cost of living is also out of control. Can you describe how this funding freeze and the increase in the cost of living have impacted the students you represent?
Ms. Tremblay, we can start with you.