If a teenager has been raised in an area that is judged to be significantly culturally, economically, or technically "behind"-- to what degree should we choose to compassionately support these people? Can one differentiate between "deserving" and "undeserving" poor? If a student is raised in a neighbourhood where study is not fashionable, and they didn't study, to what extent are we obliged to provide "remedial" training in post-secondary education?
The article below talks about a plan to help subsidize education, especially for people from low-income families.
 Liberals offer $1 billion per year for students CTV.ca News Staff Updated: Tue. Mar. 29 2011 9:12 PM ET Standing against a backdrop of students from Sheridan College, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff unveiled a plan Tuesday to give students up to $1,500 a year for post-secondary education. The so-called "learning passport" would result in $1,000 per year for all students moving from high school to college or university, up to a maximum of $4,000. Students from low-income families would receive $1,500 a year, up to $6,000 over four years. The permanent measure would cost $1 billion per year, and would be funded by the cancellation of planned corporate tax cuts. Ignatieff said a Liberal government could have the initiative in place by 2012. "It's a billion dollars of new money to make us the best educated country on the planet," Ignatieff said. "When you show up at Sheridan or any of these great institutions across the country...you get to draw out that money -- $1,000 a year or $1,500 a year. If you don't show up, if you don't register, you don't get the money." The announcement marked Ignatieff's first policy promise of the campaign. Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, called the policy an "important plan" but stressed that there must be more funding to create spaces at schools. "Affordability is a factor, but so is capacity and accessibility. We have to make sure the space is there for students,'' he told CTV's Power Play Tuesday. He said the post-secondary education system has accommodated 57 per cent growth over the last 15 years. |
poor is poor. that is all that need be said, really. No government (or anyone else)has the right to decide whether or not a person deserves extra money. Those are called scholarships, and not everyone has the freedom/ability to fulfill the necessary requirements to get one. Deciding who deserves it is but one step behind the government trying to create the "perfect society", where only certain people deserve to get jobs, work etc. In fact, if people cannot afford schooling getting jobs are virtually impossible
ReplyDelete"If a student is raised in a neighbourhood where study is not fashionable, and they didn't study, to what extent are we obliged to provide "remedial" training in post-secondary education?"
ReplyDelete^this doesn't even have to refer to poor people. some rich kids think this too, and middle class. no one deserves special treatment if they don't do the work they're given, unless they genuinely don't have the resources.
however a student with initiative would go to the school library/public library and do work, or borrow books, or talk to a teacher.
there are so many options that people, rich or poor, have to choose, and they should be responsible for their own choices and education.
there are always options.
however if they don't show up and they don't get it, that's at least a smart plan of action
^agree with emilija
ReplyDeleteBut I see this being abused or do people that fail their courses still get the money?
I feel like the billion dollars could be used more wisely by just creating more scholarships for low income families to attend post-secondary education. So that the money doesn’t get abused and that as long as a student works hard they have the opportunity to attend post-secondary education.
Or I feel like the money should be used to help improve places in Canada that are "significantly culturally, economically, or technically behind" to reduce the number of people in need of "remedial" training.
I agree with Caleb, I feel like there are people who would try to take advantage of this system such as people ride off of the welfare program Canada currently has in place.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of providing some type of incentive for those from lower income families is a good idea in context, however I think the government needs to establish a criteria of some sort to ensure that the people accepting this money, have intentions and the ability to follow through with a program long-term.
Also, there is the question of what happens after the four-year program when students are left looking and waiting for a job fresh out of school... what happens when they do not have sufficient funds to support themselves during this period?
Overall, its critical that money is put into our country's education because that helps us to grow and move forward as a society, but this plan needs to be executed in a way that is productive and will benefit those people long term.
In response to about all the comments so far, if one is receiving money for post secondary education, it is assumed that they have been accepted to an institute that provides it. Now, these guys don't just hand out acceptances to everyone who applies, there are rules, there is most likely a certain grade criteria that you have to meet. Now, if you get good enough marks in high school that you are accepted into a university or college, it means you can actually do work, and study.
ReplyDeleteNow, as for after the four year limit, that is also an incentive to get some sort of degree that can put you into a job within that time period.
And Steph, to answer you question, the government does nothing because we are a capitalist soceity and very right wing at the moment under the Harper government. That means that our socety is under the opinion that people need to carry their own weight, and shouldn't expect there country to do nothing for them. therefore, this four year plan (if Iggy had gotten elected) would be a gift.
As for all these social assistance programs (welfare, minimum wae..etc) which people have been "taking advantage of" have stemmed from extremely left wing ideologies. So, if your looking for a government that will look after these people, the more left you go, the better.
A little socialism, anyone?
The way to look at this and decide what you truly support is nigh on impossible, people can say that they support only one side of the argument, but they will always have a niggling feeling about the other side. As such I say help out the poor people, if it shows results continue, if not, scrap it.
ReplyDelete"The so-called "learning passport" would result in $1,000 per year for all students moving from high school to college or university, up to a maximum of $4,000. Students from low-income families would receive $1,500 a year, up to $6,000 over four years."
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of investing in education and I think it's something that's important and beneficial to society and the country as a whole. However, giving $1000 or $1500 a year to all students entering college/university seems like the wrong way of helping kids get higher education. The extra funding just seems like another reason for intuitions to increase their tuition fees. And even if it does make it easier for students to pay for post-secondary education, more are going to go right? In the article, Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada said that "Affordability is a factor, but so is capacity and accessibility." So if more students are applying/attending, doesn't that mean tuition fees will also rise? I just feel like this billion dollar plan isn't going to do much and that the money could be put to better use. Education is definitely important but I also agree that it can be taken for granted and abused. I agree with Caleb and his suggests and also feel like the money could be used more wisely for higher education.
At this point, I don't believe that 1 billion dollars is enough to support students of lower income families through university or college. Post secondary education is so expensive to the point where it can almost be criminal. It's just a never ending money pit. It's sad to think that people aren't able to further their education because of financial reasons, but under no circumstances should money be given to people who don't have to work for it. If they don't study in high school, how are they going to be able to get through college or university? If studying isn't 'cool' in their neighborhood, then it's their loss. They won't even appreciate the concept of learning and trying to better their future through education. Why waste our tax dollars on them if they are more than likely to not put it to good use?
ReplyDeletealso. if they're going to school to learn and get careers, why don't they just get a student loan, instead of spending our money?
ReplyDeleteThats ture.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of creating more scholarships for lower income families. That way there are more oppurtinity's for people who dont have a lot of financial help, but they still have to work for it.
Here's another way to think about spending tax payer's money: money is going to be spent - that much we know is true. We can spend it to prevent problems, or we can spend it to solve problems. Have you ever heard the phrase "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?" That's sort of what I'm saying here. Money spent on educating someone is good value compared to money spent supporting someone throughout their lives because they lack education. This really is the ethics of egoism, isn't it? And it makes sense in this case. I'm better off living in a society where people are educated and contributing members of my society. Take a look at this link which Ms Vorobej and I just looked at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e8xgF0JtVg
It illustrates the impact that education can have on a single individual.
Thought?
In my opinion we should be compassionate untill a person lets say that has been raised poor, learns the string of modern society. You can't keep feeling sorry for them for the rest of their lifes because eventually that child will grow up to htinking everyone has to have compassion and understanding for them.
ReplyDelete