Editor:
I am outraged the Quebec government plans to double fees for students from other provinces. This is unacceptable in a country like Canada and should be illegal. Leaders should encourage youth to explore and grow from opportunities across the country and make it equally possible for all.
The federal government must use all powers to get Quebec to reverse this discriminatory policy. If Quebec does not treat other Canadians fairly then Canada should stop funding Quebec universities, including federal research dollars. Taxes to support education come from all Canadians and their disbursement to provinces should require equal treatment of all Canadians.
I also hope there is legal action (e.g. class action suits) so those harmed have a chance to get redress.
Our daughter worked hard to graduate a year early from Elphinstone Secondary and was excited to choose McGill’s offer from among several across Canada. She applied for a one-year deferral to work, travel and gain life experience. Now, the financial planning we did as a family is meaningless; we can’t afford McGill and other offers have been refused. We’ll lose our deposits and must rapidly pursue a new round of applications with more costs and uncertainty. Tickets and visas for travel and work abroad are already purchased, so reapplications have to happen by December.
This stress and confusion is unnecessary and immoral in a world where there is already so much strife and fear. We need to support and equip Canada’s youth to flourish and become constructive members of society. The Quebec government instead manipulates young adults and their families for partisan purposes and teaches the youth exactly the behaviour we desperately need to get past.
I hope all will join me in urging our federal government and politicians with integrity in QC to do everything in their power to reverse this policy.
Jay Ritchlin, Gibsons
