The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and the Quebec Student Union have developed a suite of recommendations that support Canadian students in addressing the rising costs of living while building a more innovative, accessible, and affordable post-secondary system. These improves could dramatically improve conditions in Canada's labour market, enhance completion rates for students in a range of high-demand disciplines, and support Canadians in need. Here are what students are asking the Federal Government in making life more affordable for Canadian Students post-pandemic:

November 21, 2022—OTTAWA The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) ,  in partnership with the Quebec Student Union (QSU) are convening over 80 student leaders on Parliament Hill this week to ask the federal government for investments that will help alleviate rising costs of education and inflationary pressure faced by students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ottawa, November 3, 2022 - Today, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presented the Fall Economic Statement 2022 in the House of Commons and student loan borrowers across Canada are taking a sigh of relief.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ottawa, November 1, 2022 - The Government of Canada is making important changes to the Canada Student Financial Assistance (CSFA) through the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations knows that loan repayment can be very stressful for many people who struggle to find well-paying jobs after graduation. Since its creation, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) has helped student borrowers to manage their debt, by mediating their government student loan payments.

OTTAWA, October 7th, 2022  - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that starting from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students with approved study permits will be able to work more than 20 hours per week in off-campus employment. Students across Canada applaud this change, as this means that international students will be able to earn more while studying, helping them offset tuition and living costs and gain valuable work experience.  “International students are a vital part of Canada’s post-secondary institutions,” said the Chair of The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), Christian Fotang. “Allowing international students to work more off-campus hours will help students afford their education and increase educational experiences. This is not only a win for international students, but also for Canada.” With over 500,000 international students in Canada, these learners play a critical part in our classrooms, workplaces, and communities. The increase in working hours for international students will also play an important role in addressing Canada’s labour shortage while continuing to pursue their post-secondary studies.  Throughout CASA’s advocacy efforts on international students’ concerns, expanding work opportunities has always been a top priority. Earlier this year, CASA’s Chair, Christian Fotang, appeared before the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to discuss the importance of easing the barriers that international students face while trying to work in Canada. Today’s announcement shows support for the needs of international students and is a welcomed step toward improving their educational experience in Canada.      -30-    About CASA Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 22 student associations representing over 300,000 post-secondary students from coast to coast. Through our partnership with the Quebec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec, CASA represents 365,000 post-secondary students across Canada. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, innovative, and of the highest quality. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Mackenzy Metcalfe, Executive Director Canadian Alliance of Student Associations Email: [email protected] Office: 226-347-7656

OTTAWA, August 2, 2022 - Post-secondary education is crucial to long-term career success, regardless of which industry or career a person wishes to pursue. That is why the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) strives to ensure every student can access affordable post-secondary education. CASA is pleased with today’s Government announcement of increased eligibility under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (CSFA Program) for students with disabilities.