Inflation having huge impact on U of L students

A new program from the Alberta government is offering up to $600 in affordability payments over six months. This includes seniors and Alberta parents with young kids who are hurting due to the rising cost of living. Not everyone is eligible for the payments, however, including post-secondary students.

Kairvee Bhatt, the president of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union told us they are frustrated as they too are facing higher costs specifically for schooling.

“I really think that inflation has been a huge component to whether or not students are choosing their next meal, choosing to take an additional class, or maybe stay in three to maintain their part-time student status. And we’re seeing this already with the increased usage of our food bank. Already we have given out hundreds of hampers and just in January alone, we have met numbers that would have been exceeded maybe in the middle of March. So this is a growing concern and it’s one that really does need to be addressed by the Alberta government, especially recognizing that we are coming into a provincial election year.”

Bridge City News reached out to the office of Demetrios Nicolaides, the Alberta minister of advanced education for comment, but we have yet to hear back.

UPDATE January 27: Statement from Minister Nicolaides

“Addressing the cost of living increases all Albertans are facing is a top concern for Alberta’s Government. I understand full well that this unique inflationary environment is affecting post-secondary students in many ways. That is why a cap on tuition is in place that limits tuition increases to CPI. In addition, we have boosted funding for student aid by almost $30M over three years and made adjustments, as requested by students, to loan limits and eligibility. We are also currently exploring additional measures to help students during these difficult times.”