Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.

What success looks like

Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.

Government's narrative on progress

In Budget 2016, the government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and eligibility was expanded. Some 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are now receiving more financial assistance that they do not have to pay back. The government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. The number of borrowers using RAP has increased from 276,000 to over 305,000 borrowers, or approximately 11 per cent more. Budget 2017 introduced additional measures under the Skills Boost initiative for 2018-19. Increased eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children are helping an additional 13,000 students. Increased eligibility thresholds for part-time students are helping an additional 10,000 students. A three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners is providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support as well as the flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. Skills Boost is also providing greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. Building on Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 investments, Budget 2019 proposes lower interest rates for Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and a new interest-free grace period after a student loan borrower leaves school.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.