Education in British Columbia is amazing, in my opinion. However, one of the constant struggles I and may other students had is the accessibility of post-secondary education. Many students are pushed towards taking out massive loans to pay for their education, a barrier that prohibits many from building stable foundations after they complete their studies. With this huge obstacle, it is not surprising that many do not take that step. Or, if they do, it's done much slower than it needs to be.
One of the biggest shocks during my time as a student is that British Columbia is the only province that does not offer either up-front grants, nor forgivable loans. The grants that British Columbia does offer rely on completion of a certain criteria (semester completion and/or completion of a certain program).
This is a system that fully encourages the taxing of the poor. What makes it worse is that this system is one that relatively few even know about as only 152 (as of 2017) received a grant within this system. The money is already invested into the system, so why not create one that works?
If the provincial government reallocates the over $30 million completion grant funds and the $57 million in tax credits, we already have a solid base for an up-front needs-based grants system that students in need can utilize during their financial crisis. With the reallocated funds and the reductions in costs of managing these boutique programs, the base would total over $87 million.
With the throne speech coming on Feb. 11, it's crucial the we let our local MLAs know that we need their support in making education more accessible for the people of Prince George. It's time that B.C. catches up with the rest of Canada.
Damon Robinson
Prince George
