Students Outraged At Post-Election Funding Cuts By Campbell Government
VANCOUVER – Post-secondary students going back to school this September are shocked to see more than half a dozen student aid programs axed, New Democrats said today.
“During the election Gordon Campbell promised to protect funding for education. 
Dawn BlackInstead, he is creating deep cuts to student aid programs just one month before classes begin. Campbell’s arrogance and dishonesty has left his constituents feeling deceived. Students are being forced to pay for Gordon Campbell’s election budget betrayal,” said advanced education critic Dawn Black .
Over $16 million has quietly been cut from more than a half-dozen non-repayable student aid programs in the aftermath of the election.
“Students chose their program of study expecting certain grants to be accessible, and now, because of yet another broken campaign promise, many students are left without options and less than a month until school begins,” said Black.
One of the most prestigious awards on the chopping block is the Premier’s Excellence Award. This award is normally presented to the top 16 high school graduates across the province.
“We are in the midst of a recession. A healthy economy requires a well-educated and highly-skilled workforce. It is extremely concerning that the government is cutting funding to help our highest achievers looking for post-secondary education options,” said Black.
Currently, the student unemployment rate is at its highest in history. In addition, the cost of a post-secondary education is rising quickly. Many students are finding themselves without the financial means to attend University or College.
“Students are seriously considering their options. Other provinces are offering grants and bursary programs to assist students in need. We need to provide our students with an incentive to stay, and continue to work in British Columbia,” said Black.
Carole James at the New Democrats have been holding the Campbell Liberals accountable for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.
Under the Campbell government, B.C. has had the worst rate of full-time job losses, the second-worst performing economy, and highest level of child poverty in the country.
