SUBJECT: POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
PURPOSE: This briefing note is a recommendation for changes in policy pertaining to post secondary education.
ISSUE: There is not enough support for students matriculating to post-secondary education.
Background:
Education is the way by which Canadians can better their opportunities to accumulate wealth. Although the internet of things has changed the way in which people see education, it remains evident that employers seek those who are skilled to fill empty positions in their company. Being skilled requires one to have an educational background that fulfils the demands of the job. Education does not guarantee that one will ascertain a job in their field however, it is a factor that significantly increases the IQ of individuals. The government must decide whether they want the average Canadian citizen to be well informed or whether they want a society which is unaware. Education and social movements are tied closely as those that are educated act to inform and protect those that are oblivious. This is the good Samaritan duty of the educated. The public at large is protected by educated professionals who have been given the task to serve their nation. The skilled Canadian should work to expand the interests of Canadian corporations and the government while entry level jobs should be delegated to immigrants as they make their mark on the country.
Considerations:
Currently Canadian citizens are able to ascertain federal and provincial support for their educational aspirations. The student loan program administers student loans to students that require aid. This system was molded after what has been provided in the USA. This system leaves students indebted to the government as they seek to repay the loan. If students are unable to find a job, the government grants them repayment assistance so that they may waive payments. Furthermore, students that are receiving welfare and disability have ample support from the Ministry to be able to complete their education. Students receive grants and bursaries which help them with their expenses during the semester.
Canada in 2015, according to statistics ranks 7th in Science, 3rd in reading, 10th in mathematics and overall 7th. It is proven that the quality of life people have affect their grades in schools which is likely the factor in Canadas score. For example temperature, hot weather can significantly distract pupils from learning as the seek a colder climate. Another example includes hunger. People that are hungry tend to make decisions based of off what they are feeling rather than what is rational. Quality of life plays a major role in a persons educational career. Students with single parents tend to not fair as well as those that have both parents present. The reason for this is tied to survival. It is necessary that Canada provide those people in marginalized situations with equity and this could be achieved via an education allowance.
Options:
Option 1: Universal Basic Income
Providing Universal Basic Income is the easy way out but the least feasible. It is our belief that despite its intentions being good, it needs to be administered in such a way as to encourage the development of Canadian society. First, we will cite a study done in Finland. The study provided 650€ to 2000 unemployed people aged 25 – 58 every month for 2017 and 2018. The study found that UBI seemed to improve employment and wellbeing. What is important here is that well being was improved and as mentioned earlier, quality of life affects the grades that pupils receive. By providing UBI Canada can rest assured that their students will fair better in the grades they receive. However, as mentioned the program needs to be administered diligently. We propose that children aged under legal age continue to receive the same support from the government that is already being provided. Next, we suggest that Universal Basic Income only be administered to those aged 18 – 30 who decide to get an education. The UBI will serve as an incentive for the young adults to get the skills they need to be a functional contributor to the society. If, however, these young adults do not go to school, we suggest that the government not give them the supplement and encourage them to find a job. The reasoning for administering it this way is to encourage immigrants to take entry level jobs and Canadian citizens skilled jobs. Lastly, for those aged above 30, we suggest that UBI is provided only if they are unemployed. It is very evident with the development and advancement of artificial intelligence and automation, many jobs will be wiped out, thus, UBI will provide people with a means of survival. This is the most sustainable option of those that are described herein as society will progress through the increase of skilled workers in the work force.
Option 2: Education allowance
Students have a very difficult time trying to make ends meet while they are in school. University students are expected to pay rent, utilities, car insurance, food and etc. while they complete their studies. It becomes evident that these students need additional jobs to aid them through their university education. Having too much strain can cause students to perform poorly. If this option is selected, we suggest that an education allowance be provided to students so they can make ends meet. Students should be provided with a payment of not less than $1000 per month which does not need to be payed back. We also suggest that the current student loans program be continued. Through its continuation, educational institutions can keep enterprising their schools which supports more competition and better results. This would allow students experience equality with the rest of the population rather than starving before their next exam. This social leveler could be the difference between students passing or failing. This option is very feasible as the government can allocate funds to support these struggling students. In 2015/ 2016 there were 2034957 students attending college or university which means that the government must allocate the funds from their budget. If however, loans are required to shoulder these expenses, the government should see that by investing in human capital they stand to receive more from taxation from these students that enter the work force as skilled workers. These skilled workers once hired are expected to retain their jobs for longer in comparison to those working entry level jobs.
Option 3: Status quo
This option is the most feasible. Selecting this would mean that students would have to get their funding from provincial and federal student loans. Moreover, they also have the option of ascertaining bank loans. To some, this is enough to be able to get them through school, however the burden comes when they graduate when they have to pay this back. Those on income assistance and disability also have bursaries and grants which provide a social leveler in which they can ascertain equity with the rest of the population.
Recommendation:
Option two is recommended.
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