Ottawa, November 21st 2023 - Today, the Honorable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presented the 2023 Fall Economic Statement in the House of Commons. Post secondary students were paying close attention to this year’s fall economic statement as the cost of living and housing crisis has exacerbated the economic challenges that students have been facing.
CASA is encouraged by the government’s recognition of the housing crisis, and CASA agrees with the need to open up new supplies of rental units to students. While general investments in affordable housing are welcome, students are also left looking for more support from the federal government directed towards the construction of student-oriented housing. CASA also welcomes the recognition of the importance of affordable mental health care, and quality of education for international students.
CASA has been advocating for a number of supports that could improve the quality of life for post secondary students in Canada, including but not limited to:
- Fulfilling the government’s promise to support on-campus mental health, ensuring students in crisis have access to proper health care
- Cushioning student finances against the high cost of living by permanently increasing Canada Student Grants
- Ensuring Canada's brightest student researchers can live above the poverty line by doubling the amount and value of Tri-Agency research grants
“In speaking with students across the country, it is more clear than ever that they have been facing the full force of the cost of living crisis in Canada. This year’s Fall Economic Statement acknowledges the challenges students have been facing. However, there is still work to be done to ensure post-secondary students are fully supported during this difficult economic period.” said Wasiimah Joomun, Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.
The 2023 Fall Economic Statement will give post secondary students some breathing room, however CASA is looking forward to further support for post secondary students in the 2024 Federal Budget.
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About CASA
Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 25 student associations across the country. Through our partnership with the Quebec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec, CASA represents 365,000 post-secondary students across Canada.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Canadian Alliance of Student Associations
Max Greer
Communications and Creative Content Officer
(289)-214-8608
