CFS-NL Responds to Statement by Minister of Education on Student Aid: “Hope for the Best” Isn’t a Strategy

St. John’s, NL — The Canadian Federation of Students Newfoundland and Labrador (CFS-NL) is calling on the Provincial Government to prioritize direct and meaningful consultation with students, following concerning comments made by the Minister of Education, Bernard Davis, in a VOCM article published Wednesday, May 23rd. 

The Minister’s suggestion that “everyone should apply for student aid, even if they don’t think they qualify, and to let the government decide who is eligible” not only reveals a troubling lack of clarity in the government’s financial aid process, but also highlights a broader failure to engage with students.  

“Increased access to loans is not a solution to the long-term affordability crisis students are facing,” said Tyson Jesso, Grenfell Campus Student Union President. “The Minister’s comments show that the government continues to treat student needs as an afterthought.”

“It is deeply troubling that the Department of Education felt comfortable making this decision without consulting students in the province beforehand,” said Nicolas Keough, CFS-NL Chairperson. “Ultimately, students in this province know better than politicians what our needs are and how to address them.”

Importantly, the Minister’s invitation to apply for aid excludes international students, who remain shut out of provincial support programs despite paying much higher tuition fees and contributing significantly to the province. By ignoring their needs, the government sends a clear message: international students are welcome to pay, but not to stay. With federal caps on international student enrolment and an aging population, Newfoundland and Labrador must focus on retaining the students already here.

CFS-NL is calling on Minister of Education Bernard Davis to meet directly with students and listen to their concerns. Prior to the announcement of changes to the provincial student aid program, students reached out to the Minister requesting a meeting — a request that, to date, remains unanswered. The fact that these changes were made without consultation, despite their direct impact on students’ financial and academic well-being, raises serious concerns about the government’s willingness to engage with the people most affected. 

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For further information, please contact:

Nicolas Keough, CFS-NL Chairperson

709-330-6941

chair@cfs-nl.ca

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The Canadian Federation of Students - Newfoundland and Labrador proudly unites 25,000 public post-secondary students in NL in the fight for high-quality, affordable, post-secondary education.