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Federal emergency funds to lessen financial burden for Calgary's university students

'This perhaps demonstrates the federal government's endorsement of students as our future, students will be the business leaders, health-care workers and researchers of tomorrow'

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An emergency fund announced Wednesday by the federal government will help lessen the financial burden for university students who are out of jobs and work terms this summer, but won’t replace the experience and lost income, says a student union president.

The $9 billion in emergency funding will be sent to students who have lacked access to previously announced financial assistance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. From May to August, students will receive $1,250 a month, and up to $1,750 will go to people with disabilities or who care for others.

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“There’s a lot of fear for those just graduating and hoping to enter their field, and fear for students who are looking for employment between semesters. Hopefully, this money can take some of the pressure off these students’ backs so they can take care of themselves and their families,” said Shayla Breen, president of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University.

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Breen said a lot of students have lost summer job opportunities because of business closures and cut positions. She said the emergency fund will assist many students by covering living expenses but won’t be enough to help them save for tuition.

Jessica Revington, president of the University of Calgary Students’ Union, is calling on the provincial government to introduce further supports for students who will struggle to continue their education.

“Students are experiencing an incredible amount of stress and uncertainty, and this $9 billion (from the federal government) will help students no matter where they are in their program . . . But it won’t replace the experience and income a job in a degree-related field would provide,” said Revington.

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Jessica Revington, president of the University of Calgary’s Students’ Union, said the emergency fund for students announced by the federal government will lessen the financial burden for students who are out of work. Courtesy of Students’ Union Staff
Jessica Revington, president of the University of Calgary’s Students’ Union, said the emergency fund for students announced by the federal government will lessen the financial burden for students who are out of work. Courtesy of Students’ Union Staff

MRU provost and vice-president academic Lesley Brown said the federal government is investing in the future of the country by financially assisting students directly.

“Students face financial challenges in the best of times and, right now, we are not in the best of times,” said Brown.

“This perhaps demonstrates the federal government’s endorsement of students as our future, students will be the business leaders, health-care workers and researchers of tomorrow.”

Chris Gerritsen, spokesman for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, said the school’s priority is to ensure students have the requirements and skills they need to begin their careers, even with classes online and many work terms cancelled.

“Students are in a unique and vulnerable position and they require our support to help get them through this difficult time,” said Gerritsen.

Trudeau added that students will also soon be eligible to receive monthly payments of between $1,000 and $5,000 for volunteering in their communities to reward them for their efforts.

In addition, the government said it would create 76,000 new summer jobs for young people in sectors that “need an extra hand.” The jobs would be in addition to those on offer through the government’s regular summer jobs program. Student grants are also being doubled for the coming academic year.

Both the federal and provincial governments have put student loan payments on hold — interest-free — until this fall.

“As young people, what you’re going through matters,” Trudeau said. “We want to make sure that you will be OK.”

— With files from The Canadian Press 

sbabych@postmedia.com

Twitter: @BabychStephanie

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