Mr. Speaker, last month seven post-secondary education groups representing universities, community colleges, students, professors and student aid administrators urged the federal government to adopt a comprehensive package of student aid measures to provide affordable futures to students. They note that fast rising student debt loads are fueling a deep anxiety on the part of students and their parents.
The measures they propose include targeted grants for high need individuals, repayment assistance where required to help former students meet their debt obligations, a work study program to provide opportunities for students to earn while they learn and tax measures to help Canadians save for their children's education.
New Democrats strongly believe in the need for continued federal investment in student assistance in order that every student who is academically qualified is able to benefit fully from Canada's post-secondary education opportunities regardless of his or her financial status. We urge the Liberals to implement these progressive proposals.
Later today we will see the Liberals' budget and we will know whether they are serious about tackling soaring student debt loads and growing inaccessibility to post-secondary education in Canada.