Students Hope to See Safety Prioritized in Return to In-Person Classes

NORTH VANCOUVER - With today’s announcement that public post-secondary institutions will be returning to full in-person classes in September, the Alliance of BC Students will be working hard to make sure that a return to an in-person model will ensure the safety of the post-secondary community. While students and faculty are undoubtedly eager for things to begin to return to normal, proper considerations that meaningfully address the concerns of students, faculty and staff will be essential to the successful return of in-person learning. 

“Our number one focus is the safety and wellbeing of students in any scenario that involves a broad-scale return to in-person learning,” said Grace Dupasquier, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “We will be working hard to ensure that the guidelines for a return in the Fall put the health of the post-secondary community first above everything else.” 

Students have undoubtedly faced significant difficulties stemming from the transition to online learning, from isolation and mental health concerns, to a decreased quality in education. These challenges must be appropriately balanced with the health and safety concerns associated with returning to in-person primary learning. 

"We know many students will be concerned about the health risks associated with returning to in-person classes and what it could mean for their families," continued Dupasquier. “Our goal is to ensure student voices are properly represented as the guidelines for the return to in-person learning are developed."

Moving forward, the ABCS will be gathering student perspectives on the return process so these perspectives can be incorporated into the transition guidelines.

Students Applaud Additional Funding for Suicide Prevention

Students are excited to see the new investments that were announced today by the Province to increase suicide prevention activities targeting Indigenous youth and post-secondary students. The $2.3 million will go towards a variety of mental health-related initiatives, with $800,000 going towards the First Nations Health Authority, $200,000 for Metis Nation BC, and $1.3 million towards the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The funding for the Mental Health Commission of Canada will partially go towards grants for post-secondary institutions in BC to develop improved suicide prevention programs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the ongoing student mental health crisis,” said Grace Dupasquier, chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students. “This funding is critical, and we look forward to seeing the benefits that it brings to Indigenous youth and students across BC.” 

Indigenous youth experience extremely high rates of mental health issues and suicide rates due to the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the impacts of intergenerational trauma. The suicide rate among Indigenous youth aged 15-24 is 5 to 6 times the rate seen in the general Canadian population. 70% of post-secondary students reported feeling stressed, anxious or isolated since the onset of the pandemic, with students from equity-seeking communities experiencing higher rates of stress. These challenges impose significant barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education. 

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training is also considering the application of new voluntary guidelines in the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students, released by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in October. The National Standard outlines the steps necessary to build post-secondary environments that support the diverse mental health needs of students to support their personal and academic well-being.

"We are very hopeful that the province will apply the guidelines in the National Standard," continued Dupasquier, “We look forward to working closely with the government to develop a model for implementing those recommendations meaningfully in BC."

STUDENTS SEE CRITICAL INVESTMENTS IN FEDERAL ECONOMIC STATEMENT

(VANCOUVER, BC) - While the Alliance of BC Students welcomes new measures announced by the federal government in today’s Economic Statement to support students and young people during the  pandemic, more measures are urgently needed to mitigate the dire economic circumstances that students and young people are facing due to COVID-19.

In addition to investing 1.3 billion dollars into youth employment strategies and jobs training for equity-seeking communities, the federal government also announced the elimination of interest on federal student loans for 2021-2022. The Alliance also hopes to see more attention paid to mature and international students, who are not eligible for many of the employment and training strategies announced today.

“We’re incredibly pleased to see that interest on federal student loans is being eliminated for the next year, and that the government is committed to addressing the unemployment students are experiencing," said Grace Dupasquier, the Chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students. “Students are facing exceptional challenges due to the pandemic, from the immediate struggles of job losses, to the precariousness of their long term wellbeing.”

The Economic Statement includes many other measures designed to mitigate the impacts the pandemic has had on equity-seeking communities more broadly, as the challenges faced by Canadians have been unevenly borne. The Alliance hopes to continue seeing robust, multi-tiered supports to build long-term resilience and prosperity included in both provincial and federal recovery measures.

“We hope to see long term commitments to removing barriers to accessing post-secondary education and creating stronger supports for those who need them most,” continued Dupasquier. “These challenges existed before the pandemic began, but they have been magnified by the public health emergency.”

Students Support Budget Recommendations

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students welcomed the recommendations released today by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, which included a number of key recommendations for strengthening post-secondary education in BC.

“We were heartened to see the concerns of the post-secondary community taken into account in this year’s recommendations,” said Grace Dupasquier, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “COVID-19 has starkly exposed many gaps in support and areas of concern throughout the post-secondary landscape, and we hope to see these recommendations reflected in the next budget.” 

The recommendations from the committee which impact the post-secondary sector include:

• Providing stable, multi-year funding for community literacy across BC.

• Increasing resources to adult education to provide a broader range of course offerings and ensure equity in the funding of adult students and school-age students.

• Investing in upgrading existing post-secondary infrastructure, including encouraging and leveraging opportunities to expand satellite campuses in rural, remote and underserved communities.

• Supporting post-secondary institutions in advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by ensuring post-secondary education is accessible to Indigenous learners and honours and recognizes Indigenous culture.

• Creating a provincial international student education strategy, in consultation with students, post-secondary institutions and other key stakeholders, which examines the business model, the cultural, academic and economic integration of international students, and intended goals and outcomes of post-secondary education.

• Providing sufficient support to post-secondary institutions for teaching and learning tools, infrastructure and technology, and training to facilitate professional development for the online delivery of courses.

• Exploring mechanisms, such as allowing the use of accumulated surpluses, to provide post-secondary institutions with short-term flexibility to navigate the financial impacts of the pandemic.

• Investing in post-secondary education and expanding the number of seats available to students as a means to facilitate economic recovery and address immediate and projected gaps in the labour market, including ensuring local training and reskilling opportunities and reducing barriers for underrepresented groups.

• Providing flexible reskilling and upskilling opportunities in online and in-person formats with a lens to equity, reconciliation and accessibility, and recognize skills acquired through prior and experiential learning, to support workers displaced due to automation, shifts to digital technology and the pandemic, including promoting and expanding technology and trades-related training and careers.

• Providing a multi-year extension to the BC Graduate Scholarship and expand its eligibility to graduate students in non-STEM disciplines.

• Facilitating access to education by addressing financial barriers related to the direct and indirect costs of education, including child care and transportation.

"We are particularly excited about the recommendations regarding decolonization of the post-secondary system, the international education strategy, further investment into post-secondary in light of the pandemic, the extension of the BC Graduate Student Scholarship, and the commitment to addressing financial barriers to education.” continued Dupasquier, “COVID-19 has given us the opportunity to re-examine our post-secondary system overall, and we look forward to working with the government to ensure these recommendations help students in the most meaningful way possible.”

Students Welcome Announcement of Additional Supports

VANCOUVER, BC -  The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was excited to see today’s announcement of new and continued support from the province for post-secondary students to address the impact the public health crisis has had on the BC post-secondary community. 

“We know that right now, it is absolutely critical that students have access to additional supports that will allow them to continue their studies in the Fall,” said Grace Dupasquier, Chairperson of the Alliance. “with unemployment so high in younger age brackets, whatever can be done to help students return to their studies is greatly appreciated.”

Applications are now open for the BC Access Grant, a non-repayable needs-based grant for low- and middle-income students. The Ministry has also announced $2.175 million in dedicated funding to create institutional supports for students with cognitive, mental health or physical disabilities. In addition to this, $275,000 has been provided to BCCampus to develop online resources for the post-secondary community as they address new mental health and wellbeing concerns that the pandemic has exacerbated, as well as an investment of $400,000 to support BCCampus in developing open educational resources (OERs).

“Research has consistently shown that expanding access to education greatly contributes to economic advancement and stability” continued Dupasquier, “As BC looks to chart a path forward after the public health emergency, we applaud approaches which seek to strengthen BC’s post-secondary sector,"

The Alliance looks forward to continuing to work with government to ensure students are supported in these uncertain times.

Emergency Funds For Students Sees Dramatic Increase

VICTORIA, BC - The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has announced an injection of $3.5 million into emergency funds for students at post-secondary institutions to assist students in uncertain financial positions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are living in unprecedented times and we need to use every tool in the box to make it through,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “This isn’t easy for anyone, and we are happy to see students being supported by the government at a time when any help is incredibly appreciated.” 

Some of the Alliance’s member student societies have been making donations to their institution’s emergency funds in the hopes of shoring up financial support for students during this crisis, but this investment provides welcome assurance that more students than ever will be taken care of as they balance affording their tuition and basic needs. 

"Many students are in dire financial straits due to layoffs or self-isolation, and are finding themselves suddenly struggling with food and housing security, as well as to pay their tuition." said Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “This is a much needed investment at an incredibly stressful time, as students battle academic concerns as well as financial instability. We appreciate the government’s commitment to helping us weather the storm."

This announcement comes shortly after the decision to suspend repayment on student loans until September 30th, another welcome support for students and former students during the public health crisis.

The ABCS is looking forward to continuing to liaise with the government and ensuring that student needs are met during this difficult time.

BC Student Associations Stand In Solidarity With The Wet’suwet’en

Representatives of 164,000 students from 8 institutions across BC are coming together in calling on the Premier of British Columbia and the Prime Minister of Canada to respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The ABCS alongside the University of Victoria Students’ Society, UBC Alma Mater Society, and the Simon Fraser Student Society are putting their collective efforts together in hopes of lifting up the message of the Indigenous leaders fighting to protect their land.

Read the letter to the Premier

Read the letter to the Prime Minister

Massive Win: Students Celebrate BC Access Grant

VICTORIA, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) is celebrating a massive victory for students as the province of British Columbia joins the rest of Canada in offering up-front, needs-based grants to post-secondary learners.

“We were thrilled to hear that the government has taken our advocacy into consideration and concluded that needs-based grants are the way forward for students in BC,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “Our organization has advocated for this to become a reality for nearly 7 years. It was the basis for students to join together and form the ABCS in 2013. All of our hard work has paid off today.”

The investment of $24 million over 3 years will provide up to $4,000 in funding to over 40,000 eligible students per year. There is particular focus on programs of 2 years or less in length as an attempt to address skilled labour shortages in the province.

"The ability to access needs-based grants removes a massive barrier to prospective students," said Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the ABCS. “Giving students access to non-repayable options is the best way to increase equitable access to education. These grants are essential to ensuring many students can access post-secondary education in the first place, complete their programs, and graduate in better financial shape than they are currently."

In 2004, needs-based grants were cut from the financial aid options provided by the provincial government. In 2013, the Alliance was formed and launched a provincial campaign entitled “Where’s The Funding?” which called on the province to reinstate needs-based grants and provide more core-funding to institutions.

Students Support Mayor’s Council in 10 Year Vision for Transit

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students is proud to support the Mayor’s Council in their advocacy to secure further federal funding for transit in the Metro Vancouver region. 

“With transit demand rising as fast as it is in Metro Vancouver, our members in the region are more dependent than ever on the continuation of the service upgrades outlined in the 10-Year Vision,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “Our members and their communities can’t afford any delays in the implementation of the projects outlined in the Vision. We wish the Mayors every success in Ottawa, and are hopeful that the needs of Vancouverites will be addressed.” 

The Alliance has over 65,000 members in the Metro Vancouver region, and more than 78% of them are active transit users. With Vancouver’s unique trend of exploding transit ridership, that number is only going to increase. The establishment of a permanent transit fund, as well as transition funding to bridge any shortfalls before the permanent fund is established are critical to ensuring service improvements keep pace with this demand, and are essential for the economic and social wellbeing of the Lower Mainland. Increased service and capacity would directly benefit students in the region.

The Alliance hopes to see continued investments in public transit in Metro Vancouver and across BC. Accessible, reliable transit is key to student success, building more accessible and affordable communities, solving the region’s traffic flow issues, and combating the climate crisis. With a clearly defined blueprint of projects ready to break ground, broad public support, and invested provincial and municipal government partners, the Alliance is optimistic that the federal government will see the merits in continuing to invest in the region’s transit network.

Five Year U-Pass Agreement a Win For Students

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was pleased by the government's announcement today of the ratification of the U-Pass BC Agreement, which will see $86.1 million invested over 5 years in giving Metro Vancouver post-secondary students affordable access to transit.

“Students will benefit from the hard work of all sides, which has ensured that the longest U-Pass Agreement in BC history was ratified.” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “The advocacy of student leaders plays a crucial role in the creation of programs such as the U-Pass, and we're so proud of our community for the effort they put into this.” 

The Alliance has over 65,000 members in the Metro Vancouver region and this gives all of them access to an affordable method of transportation.

"Students from all backgrounds already face many barriers to financial wellness," noted Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “Students in the Metro Vancouver region are already battling housing affordability, and over 20% of students in BC access public financial aid. Affordable access to transit is essential for student wellbeing, and we are so happy to see this investment from the government today."

Ensuring students have access to transit is key in addressing the region's traffic issues. It is also extremely important in regards to working towards the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's goals for reducing carbon emissions worldwide, which are imperative for the mitigation of the current Climate Emergency.

Student Advocates Support 24/7 Mental Health Service

VICTORIA, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) was pleased by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training’s announcement today regarding their development of a 24/7 mental health counselling and referral service, in partnership with Morneau-Shapell. 

“We are very happy to hear that the concerns student advocates have been bringing forward are being validated by the provincial government.” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “The ABCS has been pushing for the mental health of students to be a primary focus for our post-secondary institutions and the Ministry, and it’s great to see the issue being addressed.” 

An estimated half of all students living with a mental illness will experience the onset of their illness during their time at post-secondary. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for this age group, after accidents.

“There is a mental health crisis on our campuses,” noted Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the Alliance. “Recent surveys show that both depression and anxiety are reaching record levels in students, and we are glad to see action being taken.”

The ABCS looks forward to working with the government to help further develop this service and ensure it meets the diverse needs of BC’s student population. With the full launch of this program in Spring 2020, the government will be making it easier for students to receive the help they need and further destigmatize addressing mental health concerns.

Open Letter on International Student MSP Contributions

Today we share an open letter to The Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health signed by 10 student associations representing over 180,000 students collectively on the recently increased MSP fees impacting international students.

The ABCS along with our members have collaborated with the Alma Mater Society of UBC, The Graduate Student Society at SFU, Simon Fraser Student Society, UVic Graduate Students' Society, and the University of Victoria Students’ Society and are asking the provincial government to reconsider this decision.

Post-Secondary Student Organizations Across BC Join Global Climate Strike

VANCOUVER, BC - Student organizations all across British Columbia have been participating in the Week for the Future and Climate Justice campaign. The campaign started on September 20th, 2019 with a youth-led strike, continued through the week with additional actions and awareness campaigns, and will culminate in the first ever General Strike for the Climate on September 27th, 2019.

All of the member organizations that the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) represents have joined the movement, and it’s clear that this is an issue that students across the province are demanding action on. “Our membership is united in the opinion that climate change requires immediate action,” said Gurvir Gill, chairperson of the ABCS. “We stand proudly with our members and with students across the province as they advocate for real and urgent change. For students, climate change is a huge concern, because we are the ones who will be grappling with the consequences down the line if nothing is done now. This is more important than going to class. This is our future.”

ABCS member organizations will be joining strikes in their respective jurisdictions, with most members joining the rally happening in front of Vancouver City Hall at 1:00 p.m. today. The ABCS will continue to support its members and collectively advocate for global climate justice and the rights of students and citizens everywhere to enjoy a safe and secure future.

Work-integrated learning investment brings more opportunities for students to excel

VICTORIA, BC - The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has announced another major investment in the future of post-secondary students when they promised $9 million for co-ops and work-integrated learning opportunities.

"Completing your studies is only part of the challenge students face when looking for work," said Noah Berson, chairperson of the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS). "It has become crucial for students to have access to real-world work opportunities, to get a real understanding of the fields they are studying in, and we are thrilled that the Government has recognized the value that students can provide to the economy and employers"

Ensuring that students are fairly compensated for their work is an important step for those transitioning from post-secondary to the job market. Too often, students must make the decision between taking a paying job in a field unrelated to which they are studying or take an unpaid internship that will provide them with the skills required for their future careers. “Work-integrated learning should be an essential component of a students post-secondary experience,” continued Berson.

"We are particularly pleased that the investment announced today will have a focus on giving currently under-represented student groups more co-ops and work-integrated learning opportunities," said Anna-Elaine Rempel, director of research and campaigns of the ABCS. “Indigenous students and students with disabilities have so much to offer in terms of their perspectives and skills and we are excited that they will be supported further in their careers.”

Officers and board members of the ABCS joined the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations this past Fall and brought the importance of work-integrated learning to the Federal Government. Students asked that they adopt the Canadian Career Development Foundation’s 8 recommendations to support Poorly Integrated New Entrants (PINEs) and that they create a part-time job program for post-secondary students modeled after the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Students applaud key funding investment in trades and technology

VANCOUVER, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) applauds the investment announced earlier today by the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training for trades and technology students across the province. The $3 million will be invested in 19 public post-secondary institutions across BC to provide industry-level equipment to ensure students have a smooth transition into their field.

“Without the proper equipment, students are not as prepared for the work environment after graduation," said Noah Berson, chairperson of the ABCS. "Students should have access to the necessary training and equipment during their education so they can be successful in their careers afterwards."

In addition to supporting skills development and higher-quality education, having access to industry-level equipment also promotes safety by providing students with an opportunity to be familiarized with new equipment in the classroom environment.

As a representative for trades and technology students, the ABCS is happy to see this announcement for our members, and students across the province.

"This is a key investment in the future of our students. Trades students especially need to have access to the latest technology and equipment and we are glad to see them being prioritized through this funding,” said Gurvir Gill, vice-president external of the University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society, representing students from over 20 trades and apprenticeship programs. “This will go a long way in helping our students to move into the next phase of their education and their careers after graduation.”

Students praise funding to address campus sexual violence

VANCOUVER, BC - On the heels of a provincial forum for preventing sexual violence on campuses, students are celebrating the province’s commitment of $760,000 toward sexual violence prevention. This funding is going to support making sure that policies and procedures are in plain language that people can actually understand, and will support coordinated initiatives to help post-secondary institutions work together and share resources to address sexual violence on BC campuses.

"Campus sexualized violence is an epidemic. While one in five women will experience a sexual assault during their time in post-secondary education, certain communities face even higher rates of violence. This is absolutely unacceptable," said Anna-Elaine Rempel, director of research and campaigns of the Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) and co-emcee of the forum. "We are very pleased that the Government listened to us, and agree that this needs to be addressed in meaningful ways."

The ABCS has been advocating on this issue for many years. In 2018, the ABCS collaborated with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations to release Shared Perspectives: A Joint Publication on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response, which outlined the importance of implementing programs, workshops, and resources to actualize policies mandated by provincial governments.
This year, the ABCS has continued working closely with the Government and other community leaders as a strong student voice to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of survivors is at the forefront of the work being done to tackle sexual violence.

"This is an excellent step towards making our campuses a safer environment for students to thrive in," continued Rempel. “We will continue working to make post-secondary institutions a place free from sexual violence in British Columbia.”

BC Removes Student Loan Interest Rate

VICTORIA, BC - The BC Government announced the elimination of interest on student loans in todays budget. Post secondary education shouldn’t have two costs, one cost for those who are able to pay up front, and a higher cost for those that take on student loans to afford their education.

“Every student group has been asking for this for years.” Said Noah Berson, Chair of the Alliance of BC Students, “It is rewarding to see our hard work and advocacy pay off, making education more affordable and helping recent graduates transition into the next phase of their lives.”

When students are charged interest on loans, they have to pay more for their education than those that are able to pay up front. Interest rates on loans make education more expensive for those without the means to attend.

When a British Columbian is making the calculation of whether to attend to post-secondary, cost is going to be a key concern. Knowing that tuition can be repaid without interest increases the value of post-secondary, and offers people assurances that they can enrol with cost certainty.

A British Columbian who had to rely on student loans for their education will now save money every month, allowing them to better save for the next phase of their lives. Governments should not make money on student loans, eliminating interest rates on loans makes financial aid fair, ensuring that low income students are charged the same for their education as those with means.

“Repaying student loans should not force people to put their lives on hold,” stated Berson, “After graduation, the focus should starting your life, saving to buy a home and having children, not being chained to student loan payments.”

Students Release Report on Campus Sexual Violence

VANCOUVER, BC - Students organizations across the country have released a joint publication on campus sexual violence titled, Shared Perspectives : A Joint Publication on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response. In the publication, students from Victoria to Charlottetown express the need to eradicate sexual violence on their campuses.

The publication identifies challenges and opportunities that exist in individual provinces, but also looks past provincial borders in order to highlight sexual violence as a national problem that all jurisdictions must work to solve. Shared Perspectives provides an understanding of the issues students experience on campuses across our country, and emphasizes how we must work together at all levels to end sexual violence on post-secondary campuses across Canada.

Public institutions in BC have had sexual violence and misconduct policies in place for almost a year, making this a good time to review the progress that has been made. While some institutions have opened support centers and offered training, others have not been able to do so, and the implementation of the policy has varied from institution to institution.

“The ABCS was excited to partner with CASA to share our perspectives and experiences with sexual violence on campus,”  said Caitlin McCutchen, ABCS Chairperson. “This publication shows that while our experiences are distinct, sexual violence is pervasive across the country, and while there has been progress in some areas no province has found a solution.”

Sexual violence is a systemic problem that affects us all, but students know that sexual violence is a gendered crime, in which women are far more likely to be victimized. Women with disabilities, Indigenous women, LGBTQ+ students, and women of marginalized groups, are at especially high risk of experiencing such crimes. The partners in this publication believe no one should ever be faced with sexual violence, especially when pursuing an education, yet at this time 1 in 5 female students will experience sexual violence during their post-secondary studies. Students are a vulnerable group, and this publication illustrates how essential partnership is in combating the current campus reality and building safer communities.

Shared Perspectives: A Joint Publication on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response is the first joint report from all 8 partners, representing over 570,000 students.

• Shared Perspectives: A Joint Publication on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
• Read the full press release here

Historic Housing Investment for BC Students

VICTORIA, Post-secondary students now have reason to believe that affordability is on the horizon. The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) is thrilled with the budget announcement today that $450 million will be invested in student housing over the next three years. This massive investment will go a long way to improving affordability and reducing barriers for students across the province. “We have long called for this and we are happy to see a government listen,” said Caitlin McCutchen, ABCS Chairperson “this has been an ABCS priority since 2014.”

This is the first time that the provincial government will have a direct hand in the building of on-campus housing, including direct funding. “This is a transformation in the way the provincial government views student housing and we have been working closely with them on this. We now have a government that is putting the focus on students, and that is a welcome benefit for access to education” further stated McCutchen. Outside of the University of British Columbia, very few institutions have been able to build on-campus housing in the past ten years, despite increasing numbers of students and the rise of the housing crisis.

The budget announcement included 5,000 new spaces that will be directly funded by the province, with an additional 3,000 funded internally by institutions. On-campus housing, at below market rates, is crucial for students who scour the rental market and may still end up spending up to 50% of their incomes on housing that is sometimes crowded, unsafe, or inadequate.

“Moving students onto campus is an innovative solution to the housing crisis,” said McCutchen, “this improves students’ lives, helps universities, and also frees market rental spaces for those that need it.” The announced spaces will help students live closer to where they study, graduate with less debt, and work fewer hours while they are in school. On-campus housing is also beneficial for students who don’t live on campus, as it frees up space in the low cost rental market, reduces congestion on the overcrowded transit routes that service post-secondary institutions, and helps build campus culture.

• Read the full press release here