Building Access, Building Canada

Because of its importance, we must ensure that Canada’s post-secondary » Providing needs-based financial assis- education system is accessible and affordable tance to students in graduate programs; to all, while remaining innovative and of the » Cutting red tape to ensure international highest quality. [...] It is in this environment that students are now Canada has created a post-secondary educa- calling on the government to shift focus to tion system that is undoubtedly something to some of the persistent gaps that exist in feder- be proud of – but we must continue to do bet- al post-secondary support. [...] With nearly 14% of the Canadian population aged 15 or older report- ing having a disability that limits their daily activities,1 it is of the utmost importance that these individuals be given the supports need- ed to both attend and thrive in post-secondary education. [...] While Canada Student Grants (CSG) for Post-secondary is often more expensive Students with Permanent Disabilities help to for students with disabilities “owing to offset the costs of necessary equipment and the costs associated with their support services, eligibility for these programs disability (such as accommodations) remains overly restrictive. [...] As ommends the CSLP undertake an official Canadian population the National Educational Associa- review of its definition of “permanent tion of Disabled Students (NEADS) aged 15 or older disabilities,” to ensure that it meets the explains, post-secondary is often diverse needs of students.