The liberal party is targetting students in its bid to retain power. They have come up with proposals to improve the education system in Canada and they plan on using their previous success in students affairs to capture this demographic.
Canada is in the electioneering period and parties are unveiling their platforms to try to convince citizens why they deserve to be voted in the office. Both the conservatives and the liberals have pitched tents in colleges to try to convince young adults to vote for them. Justin Trudeau, a liberal leader, on Sunday speaking at Mississauga campus unveiled his party platform which is pinned on making education affordable and accessible to young people in the country.
During his speech, he acknowledged the importance of education especially in this period of automation. His deep understanding of the students’ anxiety about their future saying,
Because let’s face it: people around the world are anxious about their futures. As workplaces are re-imagined to incorporate automation and AI (artificial intelligence), workers aren’t sure where they fit in. You’re nervous, and we hear you.
Liberal party promises
The platform has highlighted three areas that will be addressed if they are re-elected. They also promise to continue the projects they have already started that have seen a high enrollment of students in the universities. The three areas of focus will be;
Student grants will be increased
In Canada, students have the privilege of being awarded a grant to use in their day to day school errands. The grants, unlike student loans, are not expected to be paid back. The liberal government has promised to increase the amount received as grants to 40 percent. This money is expected to go a long way to helping students cover their books, meals and accommodation needs.
Student loan repayment changes
The liberal government has also promised changes in the process in which students are expected to pay for loans. They have proposed that all students will be given a grace period of two years after graduation before they pay for loans. They have also promised to change the minimum earned amount one should earn before they pay for the loans. They will raise this amount from the current $25,000 to $35,000.
Young parents’ loan payment relief
Young parents who are students, and with loans will be excused from paying the loan or paying interests until the kid turns 5. There is also a proposal where graduates with children and paying loans will be excused from paying loans during the early stages of parenting. This pause in repayment will give them more time to raise the kids without worrying about interests.
The liberal platform is making strides in ensuring that it is listening to young adults and students in a bid to integrate them in the society, work environment and their party. They are realizing the potential in this demographic and have made an effort to talk to them and ensure that they side with them.
