ADVOCACY WEEK WITH STUDENTS NOVA SCOTIA

During the reading week, the President and Executive Vice President were in Halifax alongside Student NS, engaging in discussions with various stakeholders. These included meetings with several MLAs, policymakers, representatives from different government departments, and post-secondary entities such as Edu Nova, the Department of Labor, Skills and Immigration, the Liberal Critic for Advanced Education, the Department of Service, Nova Scotia, the NDP Caucus Leader, Members, and the Caucus Chair of Progressive Conservative.

Throughout these interactions, the students articulated nine key recommendations aligning with the five pillars of our advocacy. These pillars encompass:

1. Improved Access to Financial Aid

2. Promotion of In-Study Employment Value

3. Increased Maximum Supports for Student Assistance

4. Expedited MSI Coverage for International Students

5. Extended Continuous Coverage for International MSI

6. Provincial Collaboration on Student Housing Solutions

7. Campus-Specific Housing Strategies

8. Investment in Open Educational Resources

9. Equitable Funding for Graduate Research.

The MLAs present actively took note of the concerns raised during our discussions, demonstrating an apparent awareness of the challenges faced by students across the province. They assured us that upon returning to their constituencies, they would further deliberate with their fellow MLAs. We remain hopeful that these deliberations will lead to adjustments and responses addressing the needs articulated during our advocacy efforts. Our commitment to advocating for student interests will persist until our voices are duly heard and addressed.