OTTAWA--The Liberal proposal to commit an additional $1 billion in non-repayable student financial aid would provide much needed assistance to students and their families. However, without a larger vision to address increasing tuition fees, the funding provided through the "Learning Passport" will be continually eroded.

"The proposed "Learning Passport" would be a substantial investment in students and their families," said David Molenhuis, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "While, the approach they've chosen is not our first choice, we're happy to work with the Liberal Party to iron out the kinks."

Announced this morning, the Learning Passport would provide a grant of $1,000 (middle- and high-income households) and $1,500 (low-income households) per year, for up-to four years of post-secondary study to any student with a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). The funding would be provided regardless of the amount of private contribution to the student's RESP.

"While not a silver bullet, it will be interesting to see how this proposal fits within the Liberal's education platform," said Molenhuis."Financial aid is only half the equation. Tuition fees in most provinces are increasing many times faster than the rate of inflation."

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.