CASA and UEQ are bringing 90+ students from across Canada to Ottawa, taking over 100 meetings with Ministers and Members of Parliament.
Students are advocating for the government to increase affordability and employability in post-secondary education, to set them, and Canada up for success.
Summary of recommendations:
Maintain the value of the Canada Student Grant Program by increasing the maximum grant levels to $5 000, and increasing maximum loan levels to $360 per week.
Address the skilled labour shortage by ensuring that federal infrastructure and housing project contribution agreements mandate that a minimum of 10% of worksite hours be worked by apprentices
Ensure Canada remains competitive in retaining top research talent by securing Budget 2024 investments and incorporating adjustments to CPI to tri-council graduate research scholarships.
Deliver a Canada Student Housing Strategy through Build Canada Homes, comprising $1 billion in grants and loans for residences and non-profit student housing.
Prioritize the retention of talent in Canada by doubling the Express Entry Program immigration points given to those with a Canadian post-secondary credential in Part D of the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Download Advocacy Document
The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and Quebec Student Union/Union Étudiante du Québec (UEQ) are pleased to see several policy announcements in the federal budget that address student issues. While students across the country did not see the full level of investment that they deserve, they are encouraged by the important steps taken to start addressing the employment and affordability challenges that they are currently facing.
CASA has been advocating for students since the 1990s, and here is a selection of what CASA has accomplished prior to 2020.
CASA continues to work to protect the advocacy wins students have won in the past, and get new ones for the future. Budgets in 2023 and 2024 gave us a wide range of funding investments, some preserving old CASA wins, and some representing new funding.
Ontario Bill 33 threatens the funding and independence of student unions, putting essential student services, advocacy, and representation at risk. We are a united coalition of student organizations, allies, and individuals fighting to protect student union fees and student union autonomy. Read the full release.
The Value of Post-Secondary Education in Canada explores how working-age Canadians view, experience, and benefit from post-secondary education, based on a May 2025 Abacus Data survey of working-age Canadians (18–65). The findings show that post-secondary education (PSE) delivers lasting benefits for individuals and the economy, and that public investment in the system is both valued and necessary. At the same time, working-age Canadians identify significant barriers, such as affordability, student debt, and gaps in job-relevant training, that must be addressed to strengthen the system’s value even further.
CASA believes in a quality public post-secondary education system that is properly funded, effective, accountable, cooperatively maintained and enhanced by the federal and provincial governments. A crucial part of this system is ensuring that students have access to meaningful, fairly compensated employment opportunities that complement their education. Student jobs should provide not only financial support but also opportunities for skill development, professional growth, and career readiness, helping students transition successfully into the workforce.
