Minister Naomi Yamamoto’s Student Loan Comments Anger BC Students

Photo: Naomi Yamamoto

Last week, Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto called student debt “good debt to assume,” but not everyone agrees. The Canadian Federation of Students-BC has fired back that Yamamoto’s quote is “misguided” and the real problem needs to be addressed.

“As a result of her government’s policies, student debt in BC has never been higher,” said Zach Crispin, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-BC.

“We don’t need more spin-doctors in government, we need leadership that will make college and university more affordable.”

Crispin and The Canadian Federation of Students-BC are quick to point out that student debt has never been higher in BC, and the average grad is faced with paying back $27,000, plus compound interest.

Minister Yamamoto’s comments came following a tour of the province, and she said they were based on feedback from the students that she met with.

“I heard a very different version of what was discussed from students who met with Minister Yamamoto,” said Crispin.

“Reducing student debt was a dominant theme. It would be nice to have that acknowledged by the Minister.”

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC also took a shot at Yamamoto in a media release this morning, by making reference to her previous statements that suggested students buy less coffee to make tuition more affordable.