Mr. Speaker, the first petition I wish to present to the House today concerns students who are facing incredible and soaring tuition fees and an average student debt of about $25,000.
The petitioners are asking that the minister make certain that the review of Canada's student loan system address some of the key flaws in that program by creating a needs based grant system; by reducing the federal loan interest; by creating a federal ombudsman; by ensuring better relief payments that include things like expanding eligibility for permanent disability benefits; by creating enforceable standards on the conduct of government and private student loan collection agencies; and, by amending the lifetime limit on student loans.