[LabComm] NDP to freeze tuition fees in 2005

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

-- Plan will provide compensation for institutions --

NEW WESTMINSTER – NDP Leader Carole James today announced that a New Democrat government would freeze post-secondary tuition fees for the 2005/2006 school year.  She said the government would provide institutions with added funding to offset the cost of inflation.

"Gordon Campbell has driven up tuition fees in British Columbia over the last three years, far exceeding the Canadian average," said James.  "That's making it much harder for young people to realize their dreams, denying opportunity to average families and hurting BC's economic and human potential."

James pointed to a recent study released by the association representing university faculty showing that the BC Liberal government has shifted the costs of higher education onto the backs of students and their families. According to the study, had tuition increases been limited to the rate of inflation every year since 1995, it would now cost students almost $2000 less per year than it does today to attend university.

"Gordon Campbell is forcing average families to pay more than their fair share of the costs of education, with no end in sight to tuition increases. With a $1 billion surplus, we can afford to put on the brakes and freeze fees next year."

James said that she would fully fund the cost of the freeze by providing universities and colleges with an additional $24 million next year to offset inflation pressures.

"If BC is going to succeed and grow in the new economy, we need to give every young person the opportunity to get a higher education," said James. "But as a result of Gordon Campbell's high tuition policies, enrolment at many institutions is going down, particularly in the North and the Interior.

"BC can do better.  BC must do better.  And that's why as Premier I will work to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to go to college or university.  And instead of spending money on partisan television ads distorting the government's record, I will use the surplus to open the door to new opportunities for all British Columbians."

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