VANCOUVER—Students across Canada applaud the Federal government’s announcement of the elimination of interest on federal student loans. This change will bring fairness, economic growth, and, most importantly, relief to thousands of Canadian students already struggling with the costs of education.

As you’ll remember the Federation and students across the province have been actively campaigning for the provincial government to undertake a major review of the funding model used for colleges and universities throughout the province, a process that has not been undertaken in nearly two decades.

The BC government’s 2020 Budget has students and educators celebrating the introduction of an up-front, needs-based student grant program. The BC Access Grant is the first of its kind in BC in nearly two decades, and will help reduce student loan debt for thousands of British Columbians every year.

We have exciting news! BC Budget 2020 has announced the creation of the BC Access Grant, which will give 40,000 students in the province up to $4,000 annually in non-repayable financial aid. This will not only help low- and middle-income people access the college and university training they need but also help students graduate with less debt.

Students applaud the BC Government’s announcement on the creation of a student mental health service that will be accessible for all students across the province. According to the announcement, students will soon be able to access counselling services either online or via the phone 24 hours a day seven days a week.