HALIFAX--Students are disappointed that the 2009 Nova Scotia budget does nothing to improve access to post-secondary education.

"With thousands of Nova Scotians losing their jobs in the past year, there is a critical need for affordable skills training to stimulate the economy. This budget does nothing to confront those challenges," said Kaley Kennedy, Nova Scotia National Executive Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students.

In stark contrast to the Nova Scotia budget, the 2009 Newfoundland & Labrador budget increased funding for universities and colleges, increased student grants, and eliminated interest on student loans. Since 2000, the Newfoundland & Labrador government has reduced tuition fees 25%. Tuition fees at Memorial University are $2,633 per year, while students in Nova Scotia pay an average of $5,868 per year.

The Maritimes Provinces Higher Education Commission recently released a study that showed that students from the Maritimes are flocking to Newfoundland for affordable, high-quality education. The study found that while university enrollments continue to fall across the Maritime provinces, the enrollment of students at Memorial University from the region has increased more than ten-fold since 1999.

"While other regions are investing in education and training, this budget ignores rising debt levels and the out-migration of youth," concluded Kennedy.