Federal government reduces student-loan interest
The federal government announced its Budget 2019 on Tuesday, March 19. Of particular note to post-secondary students is that Budget 2019 detailed a decrease in interest on federal student loans. Interest on these loans will now be limited to prime; it was previously anywhere from prime plus 2.5 percent to prime plus 5 percent. The government also announced that there will now be a six-month interest-free grace period on student loans after students graduate. On March 28, the British Columbia Federation of Students, which all Camosun students are members of, launched its Knock out Interest campaign, which calls on the federal government to eliminate interest entirely on the federal portion of student loans. Other post-secondary-related items in Budget 2019 include The Post-Secondary Student Support program, who provide financial aid to First Nations students, receiving $327 million over five years; an increase from $8,000 to $20,000 as the maximum amount for the grant provided to students with disabilities for specialized equipment; an investment of $630 million over five years into work-integrated learning such as co-ops and interns; and new student research scholarships.
Camosun students to participate in fundraising event
On Saturday, April 6, Camosun College students in the Culinary Arts program will be participating in Hungry Hearts, a fundraising gala at the Delta Hotels Ocean Pointe Resort. The gala is a fundraising event for Our Place Society, a community centre that helps people in need. Over the past five years, Hungry Hearts has raised over $600,000. Go to ourplacesociety.com for ticket info.
Camosun instructor named Lisa Helps’ chief of staff
Camosun College Political Science instructor Alison James has been appointed as Victoria mayor Lisa Helps’ chief of staff. The position is expected to run for the remainder of Helps’ time in office. James, who is also a PhD student and teacher at the University of British Columbia, is the daughter of minister of finance Carole James.
Victoria renters survey reveals new housing statistics
In a recent survey of nearly 500 renters in the Greater Victoria area, 92 percent said that they found cost to be a barrier to finding housing; 76 percent said that it “is somewhat to very likely” that housing pressure will force them to leave the region, while 77 percent of people surveyed said they would like to stay at their current home if given a choice. 46 percent of people surveyed said they did not ask for repairs in their suite due to fear of negative impacts on their tenancy. The survey was conducted by the Community Social Planning Council of Victoria and the Victoria Tenants Action Group.