ST. JOHN'S--Students welcome the new funding in the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Budget, released yesterday. In addition to continuing the tuition fee freeze and increasing funding to the College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University, the provincial government announced much needed funding for new on-campus housing units in St. John's and Corner Brook.

"Students applaud these impressive efforts to improve the affordability and quality of post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Daniel Smith, Newfoundland and Labrador Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "By providing funding for the construction of new on-campus residences, the provincial government has responded to a call by students who are struggling to find affordable housing in St. John's and Corner Brook."

The new residence funding announced in the budget will allow for the construction of a 500-bed residence at Memorial University's St. John's campus and a 200-bed residence at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook. The budget also invested $2 million for graduate student fellowships as well as a $6 million increase in funding to continue the tuition fee freeze at Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic.

"Increased funding for our post-secondary education system is an investment in our people, our province and our collective future," said Smith. "This budget shows that the provincial government continues to listen to students and their families by improving access to high quality education."

The Canadian Federation of Students-Newfoundland and Labrador represents every public university and college student in Newfoundland and Labrador.