STUSU RESPONSE TO THE TERMINATION OF THE NB-EI CONNECT PROGRAM

ST. THOMAS UNIVERISTY STUDENTS’ UNION

Media contact: Alex Nguyen, President

Phone: 506 230 5267

Email: su_president@stu.ca

Release Date:

June 28th, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREDERICTON, NB – On June 23rd, the St. Thomas University Student Students’ Union (hereinafter the Students’ Union) received the news via email from the New Brunswick Student Alliance (hereinafter the NBSA) that the Government of New Brunswick (hereinafter the Government) has cancelled NB-EI Connect Program. The St. Thomas University Student Students’ Union (hereinafter the Students’ Union) is extremely disappointed with this decision.

The service notice email stated “NB is only province offering the NB-EI Connect program for post-secondary students, which allowed full-time students to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits even though they were not available to work full-time.” This statement is misleading and overlooked the availability of similar programs in Atlantic Canada as research conducted by the NBSA pointed out PEI and Nova Scotia both have active EI programs that assist post-secondary students[1].

“The government failed to provide reasonable explanation or display proper acknowledgement to what or why students need this program before canceled it without any prior notice given.” said Alex Nguyen, Students’ Union President.

“As a student who works all summer long to be able to have some money, I still depend on the EI connect program to be able to pay my rent, school expenses, gas, etc. Without this program, I don’t know how I will survive going to school especially with the prices of everything nowadays…I am not sure how I will afford to go to school and live at the same time.”, said a second-year STUdents.

The abrupt discontinuation of the program, which had been an important source of financial aid, supporting students attending post-secondary education left students hanging especially with only two months remaining for summer employment.

“Unlike many people think, this program is not easy to receive. Students have to work the same hours as regular workers to receive benefits (for my area this was always over 450 hours) and our benefits are calculated in the same fashion. With many summer employment opportunities not beginning until well into May and June, many students did not even get the chance to qualify for these benefits. Those who did took on full time employment as soon as they ended school or worked multiple jobs throughout the summer…”, STUdent expressing their concerns.

The timing and the lack of prior notice from the Government has created massive disruption and added additional barriers for students who are working hard full time during the summer to secure their financial sources for the upcoming school year. Furthermore, the termination of the program will disproportionately affect mature students, students with dependants, students with disabilities and students who belong to minority groups.

“…my grades will continue to suffer. I was really hoping to turn myself around and get back on track, but now that seems even further out of the picture. I just wish the government would see students as more than just an investment. If they need workers that bad, pay them better instead of giving students no other choice. By stripping students from this opportunity, less and less of New Brunswickers will have the opportunity to further their skills through university studies.”, said a third-year STUdent.

As cost of living continue to rises with the lack of affordable housing as well as increased food insecurity, students face unprecedented challenged that negatively impacted their ability to attend and pursue quality post-secondary education.

“The inaccessibility of post-secondary education will be further exacerbated by this abrupt change. Students do not have the financial security to navigate these changes only two months before the next academic year. The government must acknowledge the financial reality, students across the province have relied on this program to help meet financial needs. To eliminate this program without consultation, warning, and without any program modification or replacement, leaves the student population vulnerable to further financial distress and risks. I am saddened for students who will not be able to finish their education as a result of this program termination”, said Julia Evans, Students’ Union Vice President Education.

The abrupt cut of the program without proper student consultation, in addition to the lack of equitable investment in post-secondary education once again demonstrate the lack of attention to post-secondary education, and proper consideration given towards students for matters that directly affect their lives and well-beings.  

Regardless of the program intent, this program has been relied on by thousands of students to meet their financial needs. Thus, the Students’ Union, in echoing the NBSA’s asks, calls upon the government to extend the grace period to at least one (1) more year to provide students with ample time to plan and seek alternative funding resources. We ask that the government to engage in student consultation and considers program modifications or replacements that will address provincial labour needs without eliminating financial support and exacerbating the debt of post-secondary students. We further ask that the government provides an equitable increase in operating grants to PSE institutions that will alleviate tuition increases across the province.

The Students’ Union is and will continue to work alongside our provincial advocacy partners, other Students’ Unions and the NBSA to voice student concerns and seeking long-term solutions to address the issues arise with the cancellation of the program. Student services such as Community Food Smart, and Emergency Bursaries are active throughout the year including the summer period for students to access.

The St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) was established in 1934 and represents the interests of all students at St. Thomas University.

[1] NBSA Press Release. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d2dd2c799ce8500010baaa5/t/62ba2433c5883a3a49148c6d/1656366131782/NB+EI+program+cancellation.pdf