Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff Promises Free Tuition For Military Veterans

Photo: Georges Alexandar

Michael Ignatieff says a Liberal government would pay for vets, not jets.

The proposed Veterans’ Learning Benefit would cover the tuition and other costs of post-secondary education or technical training for Canadian Forces veterans.

“While Stephen Harper chooses to spend $30 billion on untendered stealth fighter jets, we’re saying clearly our priority is vets, not jets,” said Ignatieff.

“There can be no more fitting tribute to the service of our Canadian Forces than to guarantee that they have full support to go to college, university or technical training after they complete their service.”

The Veterans’ Learning Benefit is a part of the Liberals’ Canadian Learning Strategy. They promise to invest $120 million over two years to cover the costs of tuition, books, accommodations and living expenses for up to four years of post-secondary education or technical training.

“Stephen Harper broke his promise to Canada’s veterans to fix the New Veterans Charter,” said Ignatieff. “A Liberal government will take a different approach. We will work with veterans to adapt the Charter to better support their needs.

The benefit would be available to any current or future serving member of the Canadian Forces, who are honourably discharged from service. It can also be used by the spouse or partner of a Canadian Forces veteran who is unable to use the benefit.