Nova Scotia Liberals
Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil announced on September 10 that students receiving student loans in Nova Scotia to complete post-secondary education should not be charged interest on their government debt.
“Nova Scotians that require student loan assistance to pursue higher education are then faced with major financial stress afterwards—a new Liberal government would invest directly in students as we believe education is the best investment we can make for the future of Nova Scotia,” said McNeil, in a news release.
Students Nova Scotia commented on the promise the same day, with StudentsNS Executive Director Jonathan Williams saying:
“Eliminating interest on provincial student loans could have a large impact at a relatively low cost. For students who must borrow to pay for their education, this provides peace of mind that they will not get burned by high borrowing costs when they graduate. We have been communicating this priority to the parties for close to a year, and the Liberal Party has clearly been listening.”
The Dalhousie Student Union responded the following day calling the promise “a good direction but misses the mark.”
“With average tuition in this province costing nearly $6,000 a semester, any relief is helpful,” said VP A&E (academic and external) Aaron Beale.
“The issue with this proposal from the liberals is that it jumps the gun. Eliminating the interest on provincial student loans is an important first step in recognizing that tuition is an unfair burden for students to shoulder.”
Later on that week, McNeil announced improved funding for graduate scholarships towards research and development.
“Research and development is a vital component to growing a modern and sustainable economy,” explained McNeil.
The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation scholarships are aimed at funding innovative research and increasing research capacity.
The graduate scholarships would be awarded to approximately 300 graduate-level students annually in amounts ranging from $10,000 and $15,000.
Nova Scotia New Democrat Party
Nova Scotia NDP leader Premier Darrell Dexter announced a “Graduate Home Ownership Assistance Program” that would help graduates buy their first home.
“The NDP will provide more flexible down payment options allowing new graduates and young people to buy a home earlier and plan for their future sooner,” said Dexter.
The program would be rolled out in 2014, addressing the need presented by over 13,000 Nova Scotia students graduating each year, according to the website. There were few details beyond that, which concerned Students NS in regards to resources available for the incentive.
“Student debt forces many graduates to delay purchasing a home, because they cannot scrape together the money for a down-payment,” said Williams.
Dexter also announced that the NDP would continue to increase the minimum wage, which it says it has done four times since 2009.
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservatives
Nova Scotia PC party has been busy, making campaign promises and decrying their rivals as much as their opponents have opposed them, but have made no substantial promises directly to students.
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Polling locations on Dal campuses
Dalhousie University Sexton – Room TBA, Sept. 23-24
Dalhousie University Studley – SUB Lobby, Sept. 25-27
Dalhousie Agricultural – Riverview Room, off the main cafeteria Oct. 2-3
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