OTTAWA, Nov 30, 2020 -- The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has been watching closely as the lives of post-secondary students have been impacted considerably by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to see additional investments supporting students and recent graduates in today’s federal Fall Economic Statement. CASA greatly appreciates the elimination of interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans until 2022, as it will help ease the financial burden of student debt on recent graduates during this economic recovery. In addition, as students and recent graduates face tremendous uncertainty, investments in work opportunities through an enhanced Canada Summer Jobs program and Youth Employment and Skills Strategy will help to alleviate concerns about future employment.

OTTAWA, Nov 3, 2020 -- The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of all Canadians and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) has been watching closely as the lives of post-secondary students has changed considerably. To continue to keep post-secondary issues top of mind, CASA and the Quebec Student Union (QSU) have organized a month of digital advocacy, representing 365 000 students - one of the largest advocacy efforts hosted by students.   Jointly, CASA and the QSU will be focussing on five major priorities: expanding access to trade re-skilling, reducing mental health barriers for Indigenous post-secondary students, streamlining the ability for international students to work in Canada, improving access to affordable childcare, and increasing the Canadian Research Granting Agencies student scholarship funding.

OTTAWA, October 7, 2020 -- Students in Canada continue to face numerous challenges to their mental well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is excited to see the launch of the National Standard Of Canada For Mental Health And Well-being For Post-secondary Students (the Student Standard). CASA has long advocated for holistic mental wellness services for all post secondary students, and therefore we are hopeful the Student Standard will provide institutions with the framework they need to best support all students. As post-secondary across Canada rapidly shifted to online learning it created a lot of uncertainty for students, while heightening their feelings of stress and anxiety over concerns about health and safety, isolation, finances, and the future.

OTTAWA, October 1, 2020 -- With the shift to online learning, millions of students need better digital infrastructure to succeed in their classes. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is hopeful that the Government of Canada’s $2 billion investment to connect 750,000 homes to high-speed broadband in underserved communities will significantly benefit post-secondary learners. Without this immediate investment, significant challenges will persist for many students, especially those in rural and remote communities, as they attempt to access their online education. The transition to digital learning requires robust internet connection for both instructors and students, and we are hopeful today’s announcement is the first step to increased rural broadband access throughout Canada.

OTTAWA, Sept 23, 2020 -- Over 2-million students are currently enrolled in post-secondary education across Canada, and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) knows that each one will play a significant role in Canada’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Therefore, we are disappointed to see that neither students, nor making post-secondary education more affordable, innovative, or accessible, were explicitly mentioned in today’s Speech from the Throne. We appreciate the government’s acknowledgement that job losses, the transition to remote learning, and increased debt loads have disproportionately impacted young people from coast to coast to coast. At CASA, we know that students are still worried about the long-term financial and social impacts of the pandemic.

During this unprecedented time, supporting students and recent graduates is more important than ever. At a uniquely vulnerable point in their lives, students have been blindsided by lost income, online classes, a summer of isolation, and bleak job prospects following graduation. While the Canadian post-secondary system is strong, students in Canada remain worried about their studies and financial stability moving forward. In light of this, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations has sought to bring forward a suite of recommendations that aim to alleviate student anxiety through additional financial support and enhanced access to technology and broadband necessary for online learning.