Students Nova Scotia Responds to the NS Budget 2021-2022

Students Nova Scotia Responds to the NS Budget 2021-2022 

March 25, 2021

For Immediate Release

Halifax, NS - Today, Students Nova Scotia (StudentsNS) is concerned to see a lack of direct support for students in the Government of Nova Scotia’s 2021-2022 Budget Address. While Nova Scotia is facing many pressing concerns, investment in accessibility for students is key to Nova Scotia’s recovery. 

“In Nova Scotia, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree results in a 50.7% earnings increase for men and a 70.0% increase for women, cutting unemployment rates in half compared to high school diploma holders”, says Samantha Graham, Chair of StudentsNS. “The statistics demonstrate that helping Nova Scotians obtain an education improves their financial situation and job prospects. However, access is not equal, and thousands of students rely on programs like Student Assistance to gain an education”.

The Government of Nova Scotia recently announced two one-time grants: the COVID Response Grant and the COVID Response Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities. StudentsNS welcomed these investments and are thankful to see the Government step up for students’ immediate needs instead of waiting for the new Budget. However, one-time funding will not address long-term problems. Prior to COVID-19, 17% of Student Assistance borrowers had costs that exceeded available funding. Assistance levels have not increased since 2017 despite tuition increases of 12% and skyrocketing rental prices, exacerbated by the pandemic. This Budget was an opportunity to invest in the longer-term accessibility of post-secondary, as students continue to struggle.

Students also rely on part time and seasonal work to fund their education. In the Economic Outlook, the largest job losses in Nova Scotia were reported in retail, accommodation, and food services - the exact industries that students work in order to pay for their studies. These industries remain the most impacted with a combined loss of 14,000 jobs across the province. Statistics Canada reported in May 2020 that new graduates entering the market could face up to $25,000 in earnings losses over the next 5 years.

“The Government plays a role in meaningful labour-force attachment through programs like the Co-op Education Incentive”, says Clancy McDaniel, Executive Director of StudentsNS. “Despite the Government reporting that the Co-op program had its highest ever uptake, no new funding has been invested. We want to work with the Government to ensure students can gain meaningful experience here in Nova Scotia, making connections with employers while improving their own job search post-graduation”

The Government of Nova Scotia has been a long-time supporter of students. Now is the time to cement that support in assisting students in need while boosting our recovery efforts.

Students Nova Scotia is the province’s largest student advocacy organization, representing 20,000 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and college levels of study.

For more information, contact: Clancy McDaniel Executive Director director@studentsns.ca (902) 476-2367