PSE leaders discuss need for policies, student demands ahead of federal election: Opinions

Two recent opinion pieces discuss postsecondary education and the upcoming federal election. In an article for Castanet, Thompson Rivers University President Brett Fairbairn writes that postsecondary institutions need stable policies to promote Canada as an international student destination. He writes that ignoring the “quiet issues,” such as how institutions need to be supported, undermines Canada’s future prosperity. In the Edmonton Journal, University of Alberta Students’ Union VP External Abdul Abbasi writes that postsecondary students are interested in voting and are taking the time to understand which candidates reflect their realities. To capture the student vote, Abbasi argues that political candidates will need to address student demands related to the Canada Student Grants program and work-integrated learning. “There’s a real chance to engage young voters, but it has to be earned,” writes Abbasi.