Public Input Sought in Student Assistance Review

The Department of Education is asking students, parents and other interested people to share their views on the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program.

The department is holding eight public meetings. Submissions can also be made through a website.

The provincewide consultation process ensures the Department of Education will have direct input from students and other interested parties as it looks to enhance the program, said Education Minister Karen Casey.

The student assistance program provides financial assistance to students pursuing a post-secondary education. It offers loans and grants to eligible students.

The chair of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations, the province's biggest student group, is pleased with the review and said he is committed to making it a success.

"This review is an opportunity to talk to students, their families and our community about their concerns with the current system," said Mike Tipping of the student associations alliance, a non-partisan lobby group representing more than 33,000 students in Nova Scotia.

"In addition, it will be a chance to discuss the kinds of improvements that should be introduced to provide more support for those who need it the most."

Nova Scotia's other major student association is also asking for those concerned to participate in the review.

"It's critical that students and their families be vocal during these consultations about their concerns surrounding access to post-secondary education and reducing student debt," said Kaley Kennedy, Nova Scotia representative to the Canadian Federation of Students.

Each meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and to end by 9 p.m. and will focus only on the student-assistance program.

A report will be delivered to the Minister of Education in early January.

Meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Wednesday, Nov. 21, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish
• Thursday, Nov. 22, Cape Breton University, Sydney
• Monday, Nov. 26, Cobequid Education Centre, Truro
• Tuesday, Nov. 27, Dalhousie University, Halifax
• Wednesday, Nov. 28, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax (tentative)
• Monday, Dec. 3, Nova Scotia Community College, Yarmouth
• Tuesday, Dec. 4, Acadia University, Wolfville
• Wednesday, Dec. 5, Nova Scotia Community College, Dartmouth Waterfront Campus

Anyone unable to attend a public meeting can participate in the review online at www.SA-Review.ednet.ns.ca . The website will be open for submissions until Dec. 21. Locations of the meetings can be found on the website.