Mr. Speaker, in an increasingly competitive global economy, our country must bank on the future to maintain Canadians' prosperity and quality of life.
Now more than ever, the government has to promote access to higher education. Our country's future is being played out every day on its college and university campuses. The students attending these institutions today will be supporting the government's social and economic programs in the not-so-distant future. That is why we have to do our part to make sure they have all the tools they need to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
The 21st-century economy requires a 21st-century education system. That is the message the demonstrators outside this House are sending us.
We have understood that message, and we will give our unconditional support to a policy designed to increase the federal government's role in supporting our students financially.