Federal Budget Submission

Each year UCRU submits our recommendations on how money in the Federal Budget can be allocated to address student needs. This year we recommend:

Student Financial Aid

Permanently eliminate interest accruals on federal student loans by investing $551.3 million year over year
Invest in the Canada Student Grants such that the maximum receivable is permanently increased from $3,000 to $6,000.
Permanently increase the Repayment Assistance Plan threshold from $40,000 to 50,000.

Student Employment

Develop international student-specific streams within the framework of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Increase work-integrated learning opportunities for international and domestic students alike by reinvesting $239.8 million into the Student Work Placement Program.
Amend the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) program such that international students are able to count part-time employment experience while they are full-time students towards their permanent residency.

Mental Health

Make targeted investments into student and youth-centric digital mental health initiatives by providing the provinces with matched investments.