Nova Scotia faces a dramatic youth challenge. Our population is aging at an alarming pace, due in large part to out-migration and our low immigration rate.

The unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds is more than double that of the rest of the population. These poor employment outcomes are driving young people to leave the province in search of opportunity. This is especially true for those with elevated student debt, who more often go to where they can maximize earnings to quickly pay off their loans. Student debt can also cause young people to delay major life choices, such as purchasing a home or starting a family. Such choices may be rational and appropriate for the individual, but each one represents a potential loss to the people of Nova Scotia. 

Nova Scotia needs an educated population and workforce to successfully reverse our economic fortunes. We simply cannot afford to make policy choices that encourage so many young, talented individuals to leave our province. 

Together, we can ensure Nova Scotia’s post-secondary education system is affordable to all Nova Scotians and thereby foster equality of opportunity and economic progress in our province.

For more information, check out www.studentsns.ca