BURNABY–As another semester gets under way at post-secondary institutions across the province, students see no relief in sight when it comes to high debt load, say New Democrats.

“Ten years of tuition increases and the elimination of grants by the Liberals have made pursuing higher education increasingly difficult, especially for students from low and middle income households,” said Shane Simpson, MLA for Vancouver – Hastings, as he joined New Democrat MLA Raj Chouhan at Simon Fraser University’s Clubs’ Days today.

Students in British Columbia are saddled with the highest student loan interest rate in the country, on top of rising tuition and an average student debt load of $27,000.

“Ensuring access to advanced education must be a cornerstone of any economic growth and jobs plan for the province,” said Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby – Edmonds. “It’s time for the Liberal government to step up and provide support for students to get the credentials they need to enter the economy of tomorrow.”

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook to 2020 suggests that 80 per cent of expected employment openings will require post-secondary education.

New Democrats have been urging the B.C. Liberal government to proceed now with a needs-based grant program for post-secondary students. The non-repayable grant program – eliminated by the Liberals in the 2004-05 fiscal year – would be financed through reinstating a minimum tax on financial institutions.

“Restoring grants is key to improving accessibility, supporting young people and building a more prosperous economic future,” said Chouhan.

Adrian Dix and the New Democrat team are committed to advocating for the re-establishment of needs-based grants and other positive steps to create a strong post-secondary system that is affordable and accessible.