On August 27th, CUSA’s Vice President Student Issues, Artur Estrela Da Silva, and Associate Vice President for University & Government Affairs, Aidan Kallioinen, met with the Hon. Yasir Naqvi, federal Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, to discuss the rising costs of postsecondary education for our international student community. The meeting was held at MP Naqvi’s Hill Office.
In particular, CUSA’s team highlighted the challenges facing University operating particularly the new challenges through the introduction of the international student cap. CUSA’s team also demonstrated the impacts these budget deficits have on service, and the long-term financial stability of our universities. We demonstrated the need for a streamlined approval process, particularly when it comes to Provincial Attestation Letters, and welcomed recent changes to the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
We communicated the need for a greater awareness of the “cost gap” when it comes to international tuition, and showcased that on average, a Carleton undergraduate international student pays nearly 4.5x more in annual tuition fees when compared to domestic students.
CUSA also received an update on previous proposals by our team towards the development of a matching-contribution model for FHSAs, in an effort to help students pay down their OSAP and federal loans.
We look forward to continuing to work with MP Naqvi’s office towards a sustainable financial future for our students.