The B.C. Liberal Record - We created seven new universities in communities across B.C., making it possible for students to get university degrees closer to home.
- We've funded close to 32,000 new public post-secondary seats since 2001.
- We’ve limited tuition to the rate of inflation, giving B.C. the fourth-lowest tuitions in Canada.
- We are now providing almost $150 million every year in student financial assistance, nearly $1.5 billion since 2001.
- We're investing $1,000 on behalf of every child born in B.C. since Jan. 1, 2007 to put towards future post-secondary education.
The NDP Record
- Carole James’ NDP repeatedly called for funding to be redirected away from post-secondary capital limiting investment. This matches the 1990’s NDP record of artificial tuition freezes that resulted in reduced investment.
- The NDP voted against $1.5 billion in financial assistance for students.
- The NDP spoke out against establishing five of B.C. new universities.
- The NDP government failed to provide more resources to universities, resulting in fewer classes, longer wait lists and higher admission cut-offs.
- Under the NDP government, many B.C. students were forced to leave the province to find the classes they needed.