Released on March 20, 1998
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Joanne Croffordannounced today Saskatchewan students and recent graduates will
benefit from improvements to the province's student assistance
program.
"We are providing $5 million in tax relief for interest paid on
student loans," Crofford said. "Some 29,000 Saskatchewan people
will benefit as they pay the loans they incurred in getting an
education."
"The measures in yesterday's budget provide $22 million for 6,000
students who will receive non-repayable bursaries," Crofford said.
"Students without dependents will receive up to $3,230 per year in
bursaries and students with dependents will receive bursaries of up to
$6,120. This provides immediate help for young people as they get
the education they need - while not burdening them with huge debts in
the future."
"We are increasing the maximum assistance levels for married students
with dependents from $275 per week of study to $400 per week,"
Crofford said. "Single students with dependents will receive an
increase from $385 per week of study to $400 per week."
"This change provides more help for all students who have children.
It also eliminates discriminatory treatment that married students have
suffered since 1986."
"These changes help make it possible for Saskatchewan people to
invest in their education in order to get the knowledge, skills
and qualifications they need to obtain jobs in our growing
economy. These improvements are concrete action on the
recommendations of the Student Assistance Task Group Report,"
Crofford said.
Crofford said all students will benefit from the increased
operating grants to universities which should enable them to keep
tuition fees down.
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For more information, contact:
Ken Alecxe
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6056