RELEASE: Students Nova Scotia Launches Provincial Student Advocacy Week

Students Nova Scotia Launches Provincial Student Advocacy Week

Halifax, NS - Today, student leaders from across the province arrived in Halifax to kick off Students Nova Scotia’s annual Advocacy Week.  The week began with the release of the report “Investing in Our Future: Student Priorities for Nova Scotia Postsecondary”, which presents research-based recommendations focused on enhancing the accessibility, affordability and quality of post-secondary education in Nova Scotia. Over the next 5 days, students will be meeting with MLAs and stakeholders across the postsecondary sector to discuss the report and to encourage decision makers to take action on key student priorities. 

“Students Nova Scotia’s focus has always been the creation of realistic, student-focused recommendations to improve the postsecondary experience,” says Kyle Cook, Chair of Students Nova Scotia.  “Through the short- and long-term recommendations we’ve highlighted in our report, we are optimistic that students and graduates will continue to drive our province forward in terms of economy, culture, and population growth.”

This year, student recommendations include enhancements to the student financial assistance program, expansion of student employment programs, support for student housing, and frameworks to support international students throughout and after their time in study. 

“As costs of living and other inflationary pressures continue to climb, postsecondary education is becoming increasingly inaccessible for many Nova Scotians,” says Ben Fairhurst, Vice Chair of Students Nova Scotia. “We also know that there are many factors influencing out-of-province students’ decisions to study and to stay here, from housing to employment to quality of education itself.” 

“As Nova Scotia looks to grow its workforce, strengthen its economy, and increase access to education, investments in students are investments in the future of our province.” 

Student Advocacy Week is a central component of StudentsNS’ ongoing work to ensure student priorities and student perspectives are heard by government and decision-makers across the province. We believe that meeting with Government and stakeholders is the most effective way to address student issues and collaboratively improve Nova Scotia’s higher education sector. 

Access the full report on our website at www.studentsns.ca/government-submissions