By Yaseen Hemeda
The Tory government’s deregulation of tuition fees is a “test case” for the rest of the country, said the Canadian Federation of Students lobby group.
At a gathering last Thursday in the Olive Baker Lounge organized by the International Socialists student group, student representatives discussed ways of dealing with the province’s deregulation policy.
CFS said since Ontario recently deregulated tuition fees for some professional programs, other provinces might follow suit.
“The students should realize that the issue of deregulation of tuition fees is an issue concerning all students in Canada, and not just Ontario,” said Erin George, RyeSAC’s v.p. education.
CFS is calling for the provincial government to scrap its deregulation policies.
Speakers included George, Chris Ramsaroop, president of the University of Toronto Students’ Administrative Council, and Brian Benn, a student at York University.
About 13 people attended the meeting, but only two were students.
The room was surrounded with colourful posters and slogans that said “Stop the cuts” and “Education is a right!”
This is just a small taste of what Ryerson students can expect from CFS during the national student week of action Oct. 13 to 17.
George said she hopes the week will have a ripple effect across the country.
“Labour and community are now on board ready to help out and show solidarity with the students on the CFS week of action.”
RyeSAC has made a request with Ryerson’s administration that there be no academic penalty for students who are absent from class on Oct. 16, when marches and rallies are planned.
On Oct. 17 buses will go to Ottawa, where students and labour representatives will protest at the Tory government’s policy convention.
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