CFMS National Lobby Day
February 22 -23, 2009 - Ottawa, ON
Increased yearly limits and deferred interest on student governmental loans were the topics du jour at the annual Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) Lobby Day, held on Monday February 23rd. Student delegates from across the nation met with MPs in Ottawa to discuss the Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) and request deferred principal payments and interest until completion of the residency period.
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Over 50 MP’s were available to meet with students in their offices on the Hill or the lofty corridors of the House of Commons. Some lucky delegates even got to rub shoulders—literally!—with Liberal Party Leader Michael Ignatieff and the likes of other high-profile parliamentarians during an impromptu tour.
Students were well prepared to convey their message from intensive training sessions held one day prior. The CMA generously provided the venue as well as a knowledgeable speaker, Mr. Graeme Wilkes, to brief students on the current political climate in Canada. Journalism professor Dr. Chris Waddell from the University of Carleton then shared his insight on the workings of the media. The training session was topped off with a keynote address from CFMS favourite Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, M.P. for St. Paul’s in Toronto. Several parliamentarians made a strong commitment to the CFMS cause.
The CFMS cited mounting costs associated with pursuit of medical training in Canada and evidence from CFMS and CAIR research suggesting choice of specialty may be associated with degree of indebtedness. The CFMS is especially concerned that raising costs pose a financial barrier to aspiring students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds—a concern justified by the steep jump in average family income of entering medical students seen after tuition deregulation in the late 1990’s. The CFMS requested principal payment and interest deferral on government CSLP loans, increased yearly loan amounts to more accurately reflect educational costs, and a Canada-wide unified plan to help medical students manage their governmental loan debts.
Carolyn Bennett speaks in the House of Commons
Judy Wasylycia-Leis speaks in the House of Commons
Hedy Fry speaks in the House of Commons
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