OTTAWA – October 29^th, 2012 – The 2013 budget can help Canadians get back to work faster by making simple changes to the Canada Student Grant Program.  This is the message Serge Buy, CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC), brought to a Pre-Budget hearing of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance today.

Currently, low and medium-income Canadians wanting to acquire the skills necessary to get a job or more meaningful employment are not able to benefit from grants if the program they choose is less than 60 weeks in length.

Mr. Buy also highlighted the role career colleges play in the Canadian education sector and their ability to meet the needs of Canadian employers now and into the future. 

“In a society increasingly focused on getting things done – now – and in a very competitive world, the government should be encouraging students to get back to work faster and not discriminate against them,” said Mr. Buy.  “Expanding the Canada Student Grants Program to include programs of study shorter than 60 weeks means they won’t be penalized for wanting to get the skills they need to get better jobs as quickly as possible.”

Mr. Buy also emphasized the need to allow international students of career colleges to seek work visas.  “Giving international students access to work visas would allow career colleges to attract more students, help stimulate the economy and create jobs right here in Canada,” said Mr. Buy.  “Career colleges are ready for this change, and the federal government must take a more proactive role in pushing these changes through.” 

About NACC

Established in 1896, the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) is the oldest post-secondary association in Canada, representing almost 500 career colleges across the country.  All NACC members meet the highest regulatory standards, ensuring the best possible education for their students. 

Visit www.nacc.ca for more information.  Follow us on Twitter @NACC_.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Serge Buy, contact:

 
Serge Buy, CEO

NACC

Tel: (613) 800-0340

Email: serge.buy@nacc.ca