Trudeau Announces Support for Students

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used his morning address to announce help for students, and new graduates affected by COVID-19.  The federal government will contribute approximately $9 billion through emergency benefits and strengthening existing programs.

“The future of our economy and our country relies on the opportunities and support we provide to Canadian students today.  To promote a sustainable economic recovering, we need a strong workforce and good job opportunities for young people,” Trudeau said.  The new money breaks down as follows:

• the proposed Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which would provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities. The benefit would be available from May to August 2020.
• the new Canada Student Service Grant, which will help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID‑19 pandemic. For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new Canada Student Service Grant will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall.

The federal government will also expand existing federal programs they estimate will create approximately 116,000 new placements.  The changes to programs are as follows:

• double the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.
• broaden eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21, in recognition that many students and families will struggle to save for school this year.
• enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.
• increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by providing an additional $75.2 million in 2020-21.
• extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships, and supplement existing federal research grants, to support students and post-doctoral fellows, by providing $291.6 million to the federal granting councils. In addition, the government intends to enhance work opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through the National Research Council of Canada.

“The significant new supports we are providing for students and recent graduates are a reflection of the central role they will play in ensuring that Canada emerges from these challenges stronger than ever,” Workplace Development, and Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough said.