Opposition questions UCP supports for post-secondary students

During the oral question period in the Alberta legislature on Wednesday, Edmonton-Mill Woods MLA Christina Gray questioned the supports for post-secondary students following criticism of the emergency isolation support guidelines, application, and access.

“One group being left behind both by the provincial program and the federal program are post-secondary students,” stated Gray during the live broadcast of the second sitting.

“What is the government doing to support students during the pandemic? Please be specific because I’m just not seeing much right now.”

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The Minister of Labour and Immigration, and Calgary-Varsity MLA, Jason Copping responded by laying out the government’s current student loan payment deferral, and reiterating that the emergency isolation fund is a bridge and will be used broadly in the future.

In response to a followup question regarding the government’s plans to ensure Albertan’s ability to pay for post-secondary education, the Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon simply responded that the government was continuing talks for support with stakeholders.

The Province of Alberta has not announced any further specific supports for post-secondary students or workers at this time.