WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, April 11, 2008 - The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced an advertising campaign launched in support of the Canada Student Loans Program.
"Every year, Canada Student Loans help over 300,000 students get the education they want whether they attend university, college or are learning a trade. The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible workforce in the world," said Minister Solberg.
This multi-media advertising campaign, which began this week, can be seen on television, in buses, at transit stations across Canada, as well as on the Internet. The campaign highlights the flexibility to accommodate students' individual needs, through the Canada Student Loan Program. Advertisements can be seen online at www.canlearn.ca.
The Government of Canada is committed to post-secondary education and to making it more accessible and attainable for all Canadians, as part of the government's long-term economic strategy, Advantage Canada.
Advantage Canada recognizes that a high quality education system-from early childhood development to higher education to ongoing learning - is critical for Canada's prosperity.
In support of this strategy, Budget 2008 took further action to support students and their families on post-secondary education including:
- $350 million in 2009-10, rising to $430 million in 2012, for a new, consolidated Canada Student Grant Program that will provide more effective support to more students for more years of study; and
- $123 million over four years starting in 2009-10 to streamline and modernize the Canada Student Loans Program, improving access to loan funding in support of post-secondary education.
The Canada Student Loans Program promotes access to post-secondary education by lowering financial barriers through the provision of loans and grants for eligible full- and part-time students with a demonstrated financial need. In the 2005-06 loan year, the program provided $1.9 billion in loan assistance to over 300,000 post-secondary students.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
