Thunder Bay’s post-secondary educations are having a mixed reaction to the Ford government’s recent decision to reduce tuition by 10% for the current school year and freeze tuition rates the following year.
Confederation College admits it presents a challenge for them; they are pleased the government has confirmed that core operating grants will be maintained and has established a fund for northern institutions, acknowledging their unique needs.
Meanwhile, Lakehead University says the move will present challenges for northern universities; they support decisions that increase access to post-secondary education for students.
LU welcomes the province’s commitment to maintain current grant funding levels and to create a fund to support northern universities impacted by the tuition reduction.
Meanwhile, Confederation College’s Student Union President is cautious of Ford’s announcement.
Vignesh Viswanathan tells us the surprise announcement didn’t include engagement with student unions and advocacy groups.
“There’s not enough specifics that are given with regards to what this bill might entail because they’ve also mentioned essential services and optional student fees until we have better information it’s hard for us to assume anything.”
For the head of SUCCI, he says the devil is in the details and they would like to hear what this will mean for student associations.