Students attending post-secondary institutions on southern Vancouver Island have access to emergency assistance funding to help them cope with financial pressures caused by COVID-19.

“This emergency financial assistance provides an important safety net for students to ensure they have the funds to focus on continuing their education,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “We know that pursuing post-secondary education can be challenging and stressful at any time, and particularly during a pandemic. That’s why we are taking steps to make sure students facing unexpected circumstances can access financial help.”

Since March 2020, post-secondary institutions on southern Vancouver Island have received a combined total of $1,162,500 to assist students, including Indigenous students, who are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency that may affect their ability to complete their studies and handle expenses, especially those related to COVID-19:

• Camosun College - $397,000
• Royal Roads University - $271,000
• University of Victoria - $494,500

The non-repayable emergency assistance can be used to help with a broad range of costs, including living expenses, food, travel, portable computers and other supports for students who are returning to campuses for 2021-22. This emergency funding is part of $9 million invested since March 2020 to help B.C. post-secondary students.

Students who attend one of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions, as well as the Native Education College and students enrolled in post-secondary programs at Indigenous institutes, may apply to access these funds by contacting their school’s financial aid office or Indigenous student service centre.

Quotes:

Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head –

“With classes moving online and the impact of the pandemic on the job market, it’s more important than ever we support our students. This emergency funding will provide a boost to those who need it most, so they can continue to pursue their studies.”

Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South –

“It’s been a tough year on students in Victoria and across B.C. We are providing this funding to help students avoid difficult choices between continuing their education or paying for essentials like rent and groceries.”

Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin –

“After more than a year, we know that so many students are feeling the financial, social, emotional and physical impacts of the pandemic. As we make our way back to a new normal, this funding will help bridge the gap for students facing additional financial costs as a result of COVID-19.”

A backgrounder follows.