Canadian Federation of Students-Nova Scotia


HALIFAX–Students are questioning the necessity of appointing an external consultant
to further evaluate Nova Scotia's universities. Earlier today, the government
announced that former Bank of Montreal executive vice-president Tim O'Neil
would be undertaking a review of post-secondary education in the province.

"There is not a lot of new ground to break in this area, the research has
already been done," said Kaley Kennedy, Chairperson of the Canadian
Federation of Students-Nova Scotia. "In this economic climate, we need the
government to deliver, not defer to outside consultants."

Despite the current tuition fee freeze, Nova Scotia has the second highest
fees in Canada. Prior to this year, students in Nova Scotia paid the highest
fees for two decades, resulting in the highest average student debt in the
country at almost $30,000. Per student funding for post-secondary education
is still below the national average.

Last week students delivered a petition signed by nearly 3,000 Nova Scotians
to Premier Darrell Dexter today calling on his government to increase funding
for post-secondary education, reduce tuition fees for all students and
increase grants for students. In addition, polling has consistently shown that
Nova Scotians' support reduced tuition fees and increased non-repayable
financial assistance.

"The benefits of post-secondary education and the best methods of
improving quality and access have already been presented to numerous Nova
Scotia governments," continued Kennedy. "Students will be happy to share
these ideas once again, this time with Mr. O'Neil"