Dear Premier,
With the average social assistance cheque having lost 20% of its purchasing power in the last 18 years, education is the one of the only opportunities for people to escape poverty. However, high tuition fees and limited access to needs-based grants has shut the door to university for many low- and middle income students.
In denying assistance to students enrolled in post-secondary education programs of more than two years, the Department of Community Services is denying people the right to the education they need to gain financial independence and break the cycle of poverty.
Therefore, I am calling on your government to immediately stop discriminating against students and repeal Regulation 67 of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act, as part of a larger strategy to reduce poverty by reducing tuition fees, introducing needs-based grants, and raising social assistance rates.
Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3
Dear Premier,
With the average social assistance cheque having lost 20% of its purchasing power in the last 18 years, education is the one of the only opportunities for people to escape poverty. However, high tuition fees and limited access to needs-based grants has shut the door to university for many low- and middle income students.
In denying assistance to students enrolled in post-secondary education programs of more than two years, the Department of Community Services is denying people the right to the education they need to gain financial independence and break the cycle of poverty.
Therefore, I am calling on your government to immediately stop discriminating against students and repeal Regulation 67 of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act, as part of a larger strategy to reduce poverty by reducing tuition fees, introducing needs-based grants, and raising social assistance rates.
Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3