Students at CEGEPs and universities are expressing anger over the abrupt cancellation of the Perspective Québec scholarship program, aimed at addressing labor shortages. Critics, including union leaders, argue that these cuts unfairly place the burden of austerity on students, particularly during a time of rising living costs. While the government cites budget constraints and underperformance of the program, many fear increased debt and further vulnerability for students, urging continued investment in education and support for internships.
Discontent Among Students Over Scholarship Cuts
The abrupt termination of a scholarship initiative designed to alleviate labor shortages has sparked frustration among students in CEGEPs and universities. Critics argue that the austerity measures imposed by the Legault government should not be placed on the shoulders of students.
Étienne Paré, president of the Union Étudiante du Québec (UEQ), expresses his outrage at Minister Pascale Déry’s decision to eliminate the Perspective Québec scholarships. He states, “By slashing $250 million in annual student scholarships, the minister has chosen to put the burden of austerity on students, particularly our interns.”
This scholarship program, launched during the pandemic, was intended to attract talent to sectors facing severe workforce shortages, including healthcare, education, engineering, and information technology. Eligible students could receive up to $1,500 per session at CEGEP and $2,500 per session for university programs.
Paré worries that the $250 million initially set aside for these scholarships may be redirected to other projects, potentially undermining support for young people. He recalls, “François Legault claimed his return to politics was for the sake of education and youth. Yet, it seems the government has turned its back on students!”
Rising Debt Concerns Amid Austerity
As Quebec grapples with a housing crisis and rising food insecurity, concerns grow that students will accumulate even more debt, warns Antoine Dervieux, president of the Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec (FECQ). He contends, “By eliminating the Perspective Québec scholarships, the minister shows little regard for students’ precarious situations. Instead of providing essential support, she has left them to fend for themselves. Our message to the minister is clear: we will not let this slide quietly.”
Québec solidaire describes the cut as a “monumental mistake,” especially given the current surge in rental prices. Solidarity MP Sol Zanetti adds, “Any move that increases student debt during a cost-of-living crisis is completely out of touch with reality; we don’t need austerity measures that exacerbate this situation.”
While acknowledging some successful programs, Minister Déry claims that the financial aid did not yield the anticipated results in several key fields. She notes that Quebec is facing an unprecedented budget deficit of $11 billion, which undoubtedly influenced this decision. “Although we aimed to boost enrollment in critical sectors like health and education, we did not see the desired increase,” she explains.
Despite the cuts, Déry assures that students already enrolled in the program will still be able to benefit from it due to a “grandfather clause.” Furthermore, Quebec has decided to prioritize increased salaries for nurses and teachers over expanding scholarship funding, emphasizing the importance of valuing these professions.
Statements from Key Figures
Marie Montpetit, CEO of the Federation of CEGEPs, argues, “The premature suspension of the Perspective scholarships intensifies student vulnerability and undermines sectors already struggling with labor shortages. These scholarships were a strategic asset, and enrollments were on the rise. Rather than retreating, we must continue to invest in supporting the student population to ensure a qualified workforce for Quebec’s future.”
The Federation of teaching unions affiliated with the CSQ states, “The FSE-CSQ will remain vigilant to ensure that teaching internships receive financial compensation that meets students’ real needs.”
Liberal MP Madwa-Nika Cadet emphasizes, “Despite its flaws, the Perspective scholarship is often the sole financial support for many students. Given the precarious situation of our youth, let’s adopt a proven solution: compensate public sector internships.”