Post-secondary students are greeting Wednesday’s news about COVID-19 financial relief with “cautious optimism.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $9 billion to support students during the pandemic.
“We’re definitely pleased with the government listening to our concerns. It’s a substantial package. It’s unprecedented,” said Brandon Rhéal Amyot, a student at Lakehead University in Orillia who has helped organize the #Don’tForgetStudents campaign that has urged the feds to provide funding. “After weeks of pressing, this is some good news.”
Concerns remain, however, and Amyot is hoping for more clarity about the funding.
Students will be eligible for $1,250 per month between May and August. Those who are looking after dependants could receive up to $1,750.
“It would be nice to know why they chose $1,250 as opposed to the $2,000 the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) offers,” Amyot said, adding students “are not a homogenous group” — their cost of rent and food varies depending on where they live. “It’s very likely that $1,250 or even $1,750 a month will not cover it.”
They are also concerned about international students not qualifying for assistance.
“That leaves out the many international students in Ontario and across Canada who, on a good day, face challenges but, in a crisis situation, might be stuck."
Another question students want answered: When will the money be available?
“There’s still a bit of anxiety. Parliament needs to sit to pass this package,” Amyot said, noting some students might not receive funding in time to make their rent on May 1. “The key focus needs to be on clarifying, and making sure the roll-out happens as quickly as possible.”
Students are also welcoming news that the maximum weekly amount available through federal student loans will go from $210 to $350 for 2020-21, but Amyot said it would be helpful if Ontario did something similar for the provincial portion.
“The increase from the federal government is good because we do have to think about the long term, the supports that come after this first wave is gone,” they said.
More information is needed about the $75 million the feds are earmarking for Indigenous students, but that announcement is “encouraging,” Amyot said.
“First Nation, Métis and Inuit students do face particular challenges.”
Amyot praised those who have been pressuring the government for assistance for the past month.
“This (announcement) came as a direct result of the #Don’tForgetStudents campaign and the Canadian Federation of Students,” they said. “Together, we made that possible.”
Students are not looking for “special treatment,” Amyot added.
“We are asking for equal support.”
