(Media release from Pat Rogerson, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Ontario - Sudbury, and Stephanie-Lynn Russell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Province Must Tackle High Student Debt Loads and Invest in Young Northern Ontarians

GREATER SUDBURY – With post-secondary students facing massive student loans to be repaid upon graduation, due in part to the rising costs of tuition, the Green Party of Ontario champions the freezing of College and University tuition fees for the year 2012-2013, and indexing tuition increases to no more than the rate of inflation in following years.

“Rising tuition fees and student debt-loads are massive obstacles to the success of young Northern Ontarians,” said Pat Rogerson, the Green Party of Ontario’s candidate for Sudbury. “In an effort to begin getting the student debt-load crisis under control, it makes sense that we limit tuition hikes to the rate of inflation. The Green Party of Ontario supports a more sustainable model to help students, while continuing to provide opportunities to receive an excellent education. To that end, the Green Party of Ontario would also invest in expanding training and certification programs in important job growth areas, such as green buildings, renewable energy and sustainable transportation.”

Promoting educational opportunities which will provide students with the skill sets they need to participate and contribute to the growth of the green economy represent a sensible educational investment strategy, with the outcome being well-paying jobs for graduating students. These, and other measures, are outlined in the Green Party of Ontario’s election platform, “It’s Time: A five-point plan for Ontario’s future”, released by Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner on May 25^th, 2011.

“The Province of Ontario must show real leadership in creating the circumstance for the green economy to flourish,” said Stephanie-Lynn Russell, the Green Party of Ontario’s candidate for Nickel Belt. “Part of that circumstance must include the integration of young, new graduates into the economy as viable contributors. With a crushing student debt load upon graduation, young Ontarians are having difficulties finding rewarding employment, and are instead often faced with having to take a low-paying job, just to begin paying off loans. The Green Party of Ontario, through targeted investing, would create a better circumstance for students, where the education they receive will directly relate to the jobs which need to be filled.”

In Northern Ontario, students with high debt loads are often forced to look elsewhere for employment, as the repayment of student loans must start 6 months after graduation. This circumstance contributes to youth out-migration, which can lead to strain and stress on families.

The Green Party of Ontario believes that there is a more sustainable approach to education. Along with managing debt-loads by indexing tuition increases to the cost of inflation, the Green Party of Ontario would provide better opportunities to match a student’s education with jobs that need to be filled. The Green Party of Ontario will also target investments into apprenticeship, co-operative and mentorship programs.

“Getting student debt under control, and ensuring that the economic climate into which new students emerge upon graduation is healthy and strong must be the priorities of our provincial government,” said Rogerson. “That’s why the Green Party wants to target investments in education to where they make the most sense, both for students and for the provincial economy.”

“Investing in the green economy makes sense for Northern Ontario,” said Russell. “One of the biggest investments we can make for the benefit of the green economy is an investment in young people. Let’s make it easier for young people to stay in the North, receive a quality education, and enter the workforce with smaller debts and well-paying jobs.”

- 30 -

Information:

“It’s Time: a five-point plan for Ontario’s future” is available for download at: http://itstimeforgreen.ca/

Contact:

Pat Rogerson, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Ontario – Sudbury

Phone: 705-675-6666

Email: patrogerson@gpo.ca

Twitter: Pat_Rogerson

Contact: Stephanie-Lynn Russell

Phone: 705-694-0767

Email: stephanielynnrussell@gpo.ca

Twitter: steffilynn28