Students Conclude Successful Week on the Hill

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations meets with almost 14o Parliamentarians

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has concluded a successful week on Parliament Hill. In all, 60 student leaders met with more than 130 parliamentarians, including Minister of State (Transport) Stephen Fletcher, Leader of the Official Opposition Thomas Mulcair and Liberal leader Bob Rae.

"Coming to Ottawa to meet with federal decision makers is one of the most important things that we do as student leaders," explained Pat Joyce, Chair of the Board of Directors for CASA. "These meetings are an important reminder to politicians of all stripes that Canada's students are an essential partner in building the economy -and the Canada- of the future."

CASA delegates met with MPs to discuss a variety of issues of concern to students, including removing earnings penalties for students that receive student loans, an Open Access policy for publicly funded research, and the need to increase funding for the Canada Student Grants Program to help those most in need of financial assistance.

"The federal government has an essential role to play in learning, training, and research," said Joyce. "With Canada's population aging and with the labour force in decline, programs that support Canada's youth are critical to the nation's future. The success of students is critical to the sustained economic growth and wellbeing of the country."

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization with 25 member associations, representing 300,000 students across Canada. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality.

SOURCE: CANADIAN ALLIANCE OF STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS

Mike Powell
Media relations
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