News

News Reports and Features

March 2008

Saving for School (CTV debate)

Grants for low-income students or a tax-deductible RESP for education savings? They're debated in this Mike Duffy Live CTV feature.

In March 2008, private-member Bill 253, sponsored by Liberal MP Dan McTeague, won surprise approval in the House of Commons. It was later blocked by the government, but this clip raises important issues since much of Canada's aid to students now comes in the form of tax breaks that low-income people can't access. 

After McTeague explains his bill, Zach Churchill counters that those who'd benefit are already able to attend university. Churchill, National Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) says the focus should go on those who are more disadvantaged. McTeague says he supports both approaches.

Watch Saving for School (CTV debate)


August 31, 2007

OUSA addresses Student Debt (OMNI News)

Arati Sharma and Chris Locke of the Ontario Undergraduates Student Alliance (OUSA) speak to OMNI News about tackling student debt in Ontario.

Watch OUSA addresses Student Debt (OMNI News)


May 17, 2007

First Look: Kids Hooked On Plastic (CBS News Online)

Nancy Cordes previews her "CBS Evening News" segment on US credit card companies targeting kids (part of the "Gotta Have It" series).

While this clip is mostly about companies targeting little kids to brand them young, it leads with a tie-in to the campus credit card scene. Little kids get a game, and big kids get ‘free' t-shirts and pizza…. 

Watch First Look: Kids Hooked On Plastic (CBS News Online)


March 19, 2007

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) reacts to federal budget

The sound sucks, but until we find a 2008 Budget version, here's the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) media reaction to the federal budget tabled in Ottawa on March 19th, 2007. In this clip, CASA's representative calls for an increase in federal funding and co-ordination with the provinces.

Watch Canadian Alliance of Student Associations  (CASA) reacts to federal budget


Canada: Students' Day of Action on Tuition Fees

Feb 7, 2007

CBC National Feature: Students' Day of Action

February 7, 2007 was a major Day of Action for Canadian students. These nationwide student protests about tuition costs and student debt were co-ordinated by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

This CBC clip has some useful info and stats plus scenes of students across Canada:

Watch CBC National Feature: Students' Day of Action


Feb. 7, 2007

National Student Day of Action Questions in Parliament (from the CFS)

Students' issues got extra attention in the House of Commons Question Period on February 7, 2007, which was a National Student Day of Action.

In this clip, Layton and Harper display their French skills (sorry, no subtitles) and Monte Solberg (now the former HRSDC Minister since he didn't run in the fall 2008 election) explains recent changes and reminds the federal Liberals of their own role in rising student debt. (Monte Solberg did not run in the fall 2008 federal election).

Outside the Parliament building, James Turk represents the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in a speech attacking the records of both the Conservatives and Liberals in raising the cost to students of higher education. 

Watch National Student Day of Action Questions in Parliament


Student Power (from Capilano Student Union)

Short and sweet: a nice little clip about Capilano College participation in the Feb 7, 2007 National Day of Action to Reduce Tuition Fees. Cap College is located in North Vancouver, BC.

Watch Student Power


CFS Vancouver Day of Action

A short video of the February 7, 2007 Day of Action march in Vancouver.

After hundreds of students gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery to hear speeches for reduced tuition fees, they peacefully marched through downtown Vancouver. (As this video shows, Vancouver has more students than North Van. But Cap College wins the editing prize.)

Watch CFS Vancouver Day of Action