The Martlet

The provincial Liberals and NDP have begun leaking their approaches to post-secondary education well in advance of the May election.

The NDP released a five-point plan which is intended to reduce the debt load on students.

“[It] focuses heavily on debt assistance,” said NDP Advanced Education critic Rob Fleming. “I think the product of B.C. universities is very strong, but the cost is keeping people from entering,” Fleming said.

The plan proposes to cut loan interest by 50 per cent and establish a student aid ombudsperson. It also calls for the restoration of a needs-based student grants program, to decrease student dependency on loans, and expansion of graduate scholarships.

Fleming also said the NDP felt the student loan process required streamlining.

“The privatized model of student aid administration isn’t effective,” he said. Student loans are currently handled by Resolve, a business administration company. Fleming called for a public approach.

Though the Liberal party has yet to release documents outling their post-secondary plans, party communications officer Chad Pederson steered those interested towards the new open platform accessible on the BC Liberals website.

“It’s the first in Canada for individuals to submit their thoughts and suggestions about what they want to see in the Liberal platform,” Pederson said.

He advised anyone interested in helping to shape Liberal policy to sign up and provide feedback.

“We’ll be consolidating that information and taking it to help us build our platform for the coming election,” said Pederson.

The open platform offers those who register the opportunity to provide feedback in the form of text or photos and videos on issues ranging from the economy to “healthy, safe communities.”

The provincial election is slated for May 12 of next year.