Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Photo by Alex Smyth/The Fulcrum)
A compilation of the Conservatives’ post-secondary promises
OTTAWA (CUP) — Post-secondary announcements from the Conservative Party of Canada will be tracked here throughout the campaign.
Jobs for youth
In their platform released April 8, the Conservatives pledged to “extend support” for the Canada Youth Business Foundation, which offers mentoring and loans to young entrepreneurs.
Financial assistance
The Conservatives also promised to improve support for part-time students in the Canada Student Loans Program and double the in-study income exemption, two points first offered in their 2011 federal budget. The platform also indicated a Conservative government would work closely with the Quebec government to apply these measures in that province, as Quebec does not participate in the CSLP.
The party has also reiterated their pledge to forgive portions of student loans for doctors and nurses who agree to work in rural and remote areas, first mentioned in their March 2011 budget.
Research at post-secondary institutions
Also initially mentioned in their proposed 2011 federal budget, the Conservatives pledged to create 30 new Industrial Research Chairs at colleges across the country and indicated it would “support research partnerships between college and university researchers and students through Canada’s research granting councils.”
Recognizing foreign credentials
Initially mentioned earlier in their campaign, the Conservatives pledged to provide loans for new Canadians to help pay for skills training and accreditation.
To read the rest of the Conservative Party’s platform that isn’t related to students or post-secondary education, click here.
