To the editor,
Every party leader in the provincial election has emphasized their commitment to the economy, to our families and to the future of Nova Scotia, while stressing that this election will not be focused on any one issue. It's important to note, however, that there is ONE issue that encompasses all of these things: education. Nova Scotia has the highest tuition in the country and was listed by the Educational Policy Institute as having the least affordable post-secondary education system in both Canada and the US. That high cost means university is becoming less of an option for families. We are seeing the effects of this already with applications to Nova Scotia universities dropping significantly since last year. In this election, party leaders must bring forth policies regarding a provincial needs-based grant program, an effective debt reduction program and increased funding to post-secondary institutions. In order for our economy to grow, for our families to be successful and for our next government to ensure that the future of Nova Scotia is characterized by opportunity, success and prosperity, our post-secondary education system must be globally competitive and accessible to all bright minds—especially our own.
By Zach Churchill