Canada’s Aboriginal Students Demand More College and University Access

Canada’s aboriginal students are saying enough is enough and are demanding that the federal government honours their promises.

Their main complaint is that the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) has been capped at two per cent growth since 1996, despite the fact that tuition across Canada has gone up by much more.

“The federal government must lift the funding cap on the PSSSP and deliver on long-time promises to Aboriginal Peoples,” said Patrick Smoke, Aboriginal Students’ Representative for the Canadian Federation of Students.

It is estimated that this funding shortfall has created a waiting list of approximately 20,000 eligible students, who are waiting to go to college or university.

“If the federal government is serious about providing Aboriginal students with the opportunity to get the skills and training they need to participate in the Canadian economy, it should increase funding available to students who are ready to attend college or university,” said Smoke.

On February 1st, students from all over Canada will take part a National Student Day of Action to call for increased access to post-secondary education for all students.

“Above and beyond the moral and legal obligation of the federal government to fund Aboriginal Students access to education, ensuring Aboriginal students’ right to education would have a significant impact on the Canadian economy,” said Smoke.