Richard Saillant applauds free tuition for low-income students
Economist says education is the pillar of a fair, just and prosperous society
The New Brunswick government's decision to offer free tuition for low-income students is being endorsed by an economist who says the province cannot dither when it comes to promoting post-secondary education.
Saillant, the director of the Donald J. Savoie Institute at the University of Moncton, told Information Morning Moncton the province should have no difficulty covering the cost.
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"The amount of new money that's involved is swallowed in not much more than a day in the health-care system," he said.
Saillant added it will likely cost the province less than the money it could end up spending to save the New Brunswick Naval Centre in Bas-Caraquet.
"We're talking about enhancing participation in post–secondary education and we're talking about fairness and future prosperity, and I don't think we can afford to dither any longer on that file," said Saillant.
Recently, the provincial government announced it was setting up bursaries that will allow university students coming from families with a household income below $60,000 to receive free tuition.
Only students attending publicly funded universities and colleges in the province can tap into the fund. Those who leave the province for post–secondary education will not be eligible.
Plan unaffordable, critics say
Some critics say the province simply can't afford the move, while others, such as interim PC Leader Bruce Fitch, say removing tax credits to pay for low–income students will hurt the middle class.
However, Saillant said education is one of the pillars of a just, fair and prosperous society.
If you come from a low-income household, the odds are much lower [you will] attend a university.- Richard Saillant, economist
"The facts are clear, the data is clear ... that if you come from a low–income household, the odds are much lower [you will] attend a university than if you come from a richer background," he said.
"This measure will enhance participation in the labour market, so its good economic policy, it's good social policy and it's also good educational policy."
While some say the new program will be unfair to the middle class because the province plans to eliminate educational tax credits to pay for the initiative, Saillant disagrees.
"There's no evidence, or at least very scant evidence, that this type of tax credit enhances participation in post–secondary education," he said.
Saillant said the initiative is wise investment that will ensure the province has the best–educated work force to support the aging population.
"We're going to be asking a lot from [today's young people] in the years ahead. We should make sure they have all the tools," said Saillant.