Students Take to the Hill - Tell Government It's Time to Support Working Students

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations in Ottawa Meeting with MPs and Senators

OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - This week, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has brought more than 60 student leaders representing over 400,000 students from across the country to Ottawa to push for fairness in Canada's system of student financial aid. Over three days, delegates will meet with over 120 MPs and Senators.

"Over 70,000 students missed out on an average of $1100 in financial aid because they were working while studying in 2012," explained Travis Gordon, Chair of the Board of Directors for CASA. "Youth unemployment sits at twice the national average and work experience is crucial to land a job so we're asking the government to stop punishing students who are working while enrolled."

The Canada Student Loans Program currently permits students to earn up to $100 per week while taking courses, but aid is clawed back dollar-for-dollar if a student earns more. It has been reported that students work an average of 18 hours per week, which puts them far beyond this threshold even at minimum wage across Canada. Working students are often taking jobs because of deficient financial aid, and this compounds the issue.

CASA is also calling on the government to implement effective Labour Market Indicators. This will provide better information to people who seek the right programs to connect them with the jobs they want.

"Canada's youth need more information about the labour market when deciding which academic or training programs to pursue," added Gordon. "Canada lacks the ability to provide its citizens with clear, reliable Labour Market Information that helps students make informed choices about classes, programs, and jobs in a rapidly evolving economy."

About CASA
The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization with 22 member associations, representing 280,000 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

Rob LeForte, Media relations, Phone: [phone], Cell: 613-720-5726, [email protected]