Epictetus a Greek-born philosopher was born a slave. He said, “Only the Educated are free.” Unfortunately, Epictetus did not predict that even the basics of education would not be free in the future. With the cost of post-secondary studies at an all-consuming high, and ever getting higher, many people find it hard to cope in a society where education is necessary but not available to everyone. The high cost of tuition affects not only current and future students, but their families, the labour market and Canada as a whole. Post-Secondary Education should be considered a right and become free in Canada.
To fully understand why every student and their families believe post-secondary education should be free, one must know the costs of said …show more content…
However, like Erika Shaker of the CCPA said, “the economic and social returns of free tuition far exceed the government 's’ initial investment in the form of higher taxes and social contributions.”[1] When the population is given the opportunity to attend and complete post-secondary education, they statistically make more than those who can’t. This means that they have a higher earning potential and can contribute more to the economy, when compared to a high school graduate. This would improve Canada’s society in general. [11] Countries that have higher skilled and more educated workers have proven to have an advantage to those who don’t, like Canada. [7] The teaching in post-secondary institutions ensures that society has the proper training and skills to contribute to the labour market efficiently. [1] In addition, it is well known that the more educated a citizen is, the more they are involved in changing, improving and contributing to the society that assisted them. [7] People whom are educated are more interested and invested in the betterment of society as a whole because they can see where the benefits of an education have led them. Furthermore, it is well known that citizens with more income will contribute this income to various forms of charities more than middle-class citizens. Finally, when people are provided …show more content…
It can achieve free post-secondary education just as easily as other countries that have done it. For example: Germany, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. [14] In fact, Canada committed itself in an international treaty to abolishing university tuition fees. In 1976 Canada signed and ratified the United Nations International Covenant on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights treaty. By signing they agreed to, "the progressive introduction of free education" at the post-secondary level, in conformity with their promise that "Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all" (Article 13.2.c). They have not upheld their commitment, and in reality, tuition costs have raised significantly. [13]
In conclusion, Canada would benefit greatly if they followed the lead of other prospering countries, by abolishing tuition fees. The country would have a more stable economy, every citizen would be making more income, students could achieve a degree without financial stress and every Canadian would be on equal footing. A more comprehensive investment presently in Canadian students and their post-secondary education is clearly an investment in Canada’s social, political and economic future. The education one needs to survive is a universal right and should be free.
To fully understand why every student and their families believe post-secondary education should be free, one must know the costs of said …show more content…
However, like Erika Shaker of the CCPA said, “the economic and social returns of free tuition far exceed the government 's’ initial investment in the form of higher taxes and social contributions.”[1] When the population is given the opportunity to attend and complete post-secondary education, they statistically make more than those who can’t. This means that they have a higher earning potential and can contribute more to the economy, when compared to a high school graduate. This would improve Canada’s society in general. [11] Countries that have higher skilled and more educated workers have proven to have an advantage to those who don’t, like Canada. [7] The teaching in post-secondary institutions ensures that society has the proper training and skills to contribute to the labour market efficiently. [1] In addition, it is well known that the more educated a citizen is, the more they are involved in changing, improving and contributing to the society that assisted them. [7] People whom are educated are more interested and invested in the betterment of society as a whole because they can see where the benefits of an education have led them. Furthermore, it is well known that citizens with more income will contribute this income to various forms of charities more than middle-class citizens. Finally, when people are provided …show more content…
It can achieve free post-secondary education just as easily as other countries that have done it. For example: Germany, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. [14] In fact, Canada committed itself in an international treaty to abolishing university tuition fees. In 1976 Canada signed and ratified the United Nations International Covenant on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights treaty. By signing they agreed to, "the progressive introduction of free education" at the post-secondary level, in conformity with their promise that "Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all" (Article 13.2.c). They have not upheld their commitment, and in reality, tuition costs have raised significantly. [13]
In conclusion, Canada would benefit greatly if they followed the lead of other prospering countries, by abolishing tuition fees. The country would have a more stable economy, every citizen would be making more income, students could achieve a degree without financial stress and every Canadian would be on equal footing. A more comprehensive investment presently in Canadian students and their post-secondary education is clearly an investment in Canada’s social, political and economic future. The education one needs to survive is a universal right and should be free.