The issue
Canadians support the principle that no qualified student should be denied access to university for financial reasons. With university graduates particularly prized in the knowledge economy, expanding access to postsecondary education and learning opportunities also benefits our economy and society. As Canadians demand more and better access to a university education, the need to improve accessibility is increasingly important. To this end, it is essential to review existing student assistance programs to make certain that they are effectively targeted to those most in need -- including individuals from low-income families, aboriginal students, students with disabilities, and other under-represented groups. The different needs of graduate students must also be better recognized, and given the growing importance of global knowledge and skills, it is important to ensure that opportunities to study abroad are available to students who would not otherwise have access to these valuable learning experiences.
Governments should work with universities and other stakeholders to better integrate student assistance programs with the objective of enhancing overall service to students. It is also vital for governments to undertake the required research to inform policy decisions and gauge the impact of proposed measures.
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