SUBJECT: FEDERAL ELECTION 2011

Dear Colleagues,

In the past few months, the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) has met with a number of politicians and bureaucrats in order to move our agenda forward. 

Specifically, we have asked for positive and meaningful changes to the Canada Student Grant Program and requested changes be made to allow foreign students registered at career colleges to be eligible for work permits.
We have made significant progress on both issues.  

The federal government (Department of Citizenship and Immigration) is no longer an obstacle on the work permit issue.  Budget 2011 also included changes to the Canada Student Grant Program that will help students studying part-time. If passed, this would have had a positive impact on students wishing to register at career colleges.

It is about students.  And this is why we must take a stand, now.

We would like to point out that we realize education is generally a provincial matter, but that important issues such as the two above are federal and we have made a great deal of progress with this current federal government.  A change in government at this time would be a considerable setback for NACC.

The Conservative government has been receptive to ideas brought forward by NACC.  We were granted access to the right senior officials, and real progress was made.  The Conservative government has demonstrated a willingness to support career college students.

The Liberal Party of Canada didn’t offer us much access (if any) and ignored our students in their platform on education.

NACC does not customarily endorse a particular political party, but we do represent the private college sector, and must do what we (NACC Board of Directors) think is best for our sector.

Based on very careful consideration, the needs of our students, our colleges and our sector’s, we are recommending that the Conservative Party of Canada receive your support.

There are over 2,200 career colleges in Canada, with 170,000 students and thousands of employees.  We have a stake in this election.
Make our voice heard:

• Support your local Conservative candidate on election day (May 2nd)
• Contribute to your local Conservative campaign (if possible – and only through personal contributions as per Elections Canada rules)
• Volunteer to help your local Conservative candidate
• Spread the word to your colleagues, employees and students

It’s time for career colleges to be heard.

Dr. Michael McAllister, President
National Association of Career Colleges

For further information, please contact Serge Buy at: sbuy@nacc.ca