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Nova Scotia poll finds 80% feel tuition fees are too high
 'The
government cannot say they
have done their part.' - NSGEU
Halifax - A strong majority of Nova Scotians believe tuition fees are
too high, says a new province-wide opinion poll.
Conducted by Vector Research of Toronto, the poll asked provincial
residents about a variety of issues facing students and universities.
The list includes tuition fees, funding and financial barriers.
The survey was taken on the heels of the recently-negotiated
memorandum of understanding between the province and university
presidents, allowing tuition fees to rise by 3.9% per year.
"These results clearly show that the government cannot say they have
done their part," says Ken Clare of the Nova Scotia Government and
General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). "Nova Scotians want much more
comprehensive support by the government, including increased funding
for our universities and colleges."
Danielle Sampson of the Canadian Federation of Students says the poll
clearly shows that Nova Scotians feel fees are too high.
Linda Van Esch, president of the Association of Nova Scotia University
Teachers, says the results also make clear that better leadership is
needed to improve the quality and accessibility of post-secondary
education.
The poll found that 80% of Nova Scotians believe that tuition fees are
too high while 34% of respondents reported that someone in their
family decided not to pursue a post-secondary education in the past
two years because of concerns about debt.
The poll also found that only 8% of Nova Scotians feel that the
government is doing a good or excellent job of making post-secondary
education affordable.
There was strong across-the-board support for grants and scholarships
for students who need them and for a freeze in tuition fees. The poll
also showed significant support for tax increases if needed to achieve
these goals.
The survey was commissioned jointly by NSGEU, the students federation
and the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers. A total of 800
Nova Scotians were interviewed during the week of February 28. The
poll has an accuracy rate of +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. NUPGE
Web posted by NUPGE:
11 March 2005
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