OTTAWA--The Canadian Federation of Students presented fiscal stimulus ideas to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and his staff in Montreal today as part of a restricted group of pre-budget consultations."Post-secondary education and training is a critical component to weathering any economic storm," said Katherine Giroux-Bougard, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "The federal government has an important role to play in making universities and colleges more affordable during this period. Reducing fees and increasing grants should be made a priority in this month's federal budget."In an open letter to Minister Flaherty sent on December 11, 2008, the Canadian Federation of Students proposed four proposals to be part of a broader economic stimulus package: an increase to the Canada Social Transfer for post-secondary education; more graduate student funding under the Canada Graduate Scholarships; greater financial support for Aboriginal students; and a boost in student summer jobs funding.

According to a poll conducted by Harris-Decima for the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Canadian Federation of Students in November 2008, nearly 60% of Canadians believe the federal government should maintain program spending during an economic downturn, even if it results in a federal budgetary deficit.

"Tax cuts won't help people afford post-secondary education and it won't help people find work. The best thing that Minister Flaherty can do is strengthen social services, including improving access to universities and community colleges," said Giroux-Bougard.

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest students' organisation. It is composed of more than 80 university and college students' unions with a combined membership of over one-half million students.

The poll of 2,036 adult Canadians was conducted by Harris-Decima between November 6 and November 16, 2008. National results are considered accurate within 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.