Grimes Era

In the years of the Grimes government 2001-2003, students were still having serious financial problems when accessing university education. Federal and provincial non-repayable grants and bursaries dried up and the Canadian student loan plan became more selective.[1]

After many student gatherings and protests, the Grimes government announced plans to decrease tuition fees by 25% over a three year period. In 2001, the government announced 3.3 million to achieve a 10% reduction in tuition.[2] In 2002, another 3.5 million was invested for another 10% decrease.[3] A final 2 million was invested in 2003 to complete the 25% reduction.[4]

In 2002, the provincial government began a student debt relief program. This program offered to cover up to 40% of a student’s provincial student loan once the student has graduated.[5]

In 2003, the government announced a student tax credit program. The government committed to investing 3 million in order to provide students with a tax credit of 20% of the amount paid on their student loan.[6] An extra 10% tax credit would be award to single parent students and students with disabilities.[7]

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[1] R. Sweet and P. Anisef, Preparing for Postsecondary Education: New Roles for Governments and Families (Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2005).

[2] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Budget 2001: Investing in our youth, investing in our future,” (2001), http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/Budget2001/default.htm.

[3] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Budget 2002,” (2002), http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/Budget2002/default.htm.

[4] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Budget 2003: The New Newfoundland and Labrador,” (2003), http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/Budget2003/default.htm.

[5] Office of the Auditor General Newfoundland and Labrador, “Review of Departments and Crown Agencies,” (January, 2008), http://www.ag.gov.nl.ca/ag/annualReports/2007AnnualReport/Chap2.03.pdf

[6] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Budget 2003: The New Newfoundland and Labrador,” (2003), http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/Budget2003/default.htm.

[7] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, “Plans for Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan Tax Credit,” (June, 2003), http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2003/youth/0611n03.htm.