OTTAWA--According to a Statistics Canada report released earlier today students aged 15-24 faced the second highest summer unemployment rate on record at 19.2%, furthering concerns that many students will not have enough money to make it through the year. Student unemployment reached a record high for the month of August at 16.4%.

"While politicians focus on making gains for themselves in a potential fall election, students are wondering how they will make ends meet this year," said Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "With summer unemployment at a record high and the vast majority of students facing tuition fee increases this fall, students are being left out in the cold."

Students continue to be hit hard by the recession. A recent Ipsos Reid poll found that over half of college and university students are concerned they will run out of money by the end of the year. Many students who were unable to find work this summer will be forced to borrow more, adding to already record high student debt.

"Post-secondary education and training is an essential part of ongoing economic recovery," added Giroux-Bougard. "Students are calling on all political parties to commit to reducing tuition fees and increasing funding for student financial aid."