Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act

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Outside the Order of Precedence

C-255
February 17, 2022 (3 years ago)
Canadian Federal
Don Davies
NDP
House of Commons
Third reading
0 Votes
Full Title: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act
Education
Social Issues

Summary

The Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act aims to provide financial support to individuals with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education. It enables the government to cover tuition fees for eligible students, presenting this support as a grant.

What it means for you

Individuals with disabilities who want to attend college or university may benefit significantly from this financial assistance. Families of these students may experience reduced financial strain regarding education costs. Educational institutions may also see an increase in enrollment from students with disabilities as a result of easier access to funding.

Expenses

The Act will lead to increased government spending as it allocates funds for tuition grants to eligible students with disabilities. This could potentially impact taxpayers if the program’s costs rise significantly due to high demand. Education institutions may also incur additional administrative costs as they adapt to the requirements of managing these grants and enrollment changes.

Proponents view

Supporters believe this Act promotes inclusivity by breaking down financial barriers that have traditionally hindered access to post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities. They argue that it opens valuable opportunities for skill development and employment, which can lead to greater economic independence and improved quality of life.

Opponents view

Critics argue that the Act might lead to significant strain on public resources if the demand for grants outpaces the budgets allocated for this purpose. They voice concerns about potential mismanagement of funds and the complexity of the application process, which might complicate access for those who need help the most. Overall, they fear it may create more challenges rather than solutions.

Original Bill