CUPE is proud to support the Canada Post-Secondary Education Act (Bill C-260) tabled today in the House of Commons by NDP MP Heather McPherson, which will bring about some badly needed federal action on affordability and accessibility of post-secondary education.
“Inflation and the number of students looking for an education have both grown, but the federal government’s contribution has stayed the same and it is students and workers in the sector paying the price through increased debt and diminished working conditions,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock.
Bill C-260 would create a standalone Post-Secondary Education transfer and set out criteria that provinces would have to meet in order to receive the transfer. These conditions would include public administration, academic independence, and restrictions on corporate and donor control. These conditions would also include limitations on use of short-term contracts and other forms of precarious labour, and working progressively towards the elimination of tuition.
CUPE believes that re-skilling the workforce in the post-pandemic era, particularly as part of a just transition towards a more sustainable economy, is more important than ever, and the post-secondary sector will play a pivotal role in Canada’s success.
“Bill C-260 is about educating and empowering the next generation to take on the challenges of building a better world,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick. “We call on all Members of Parliament to support our students - and the workers who support them - by voting in favour of this bill.”