HALIFAX--Students say the graduate tax credits announced in today's provincial budget will do nothing to attract and retain youth. Instead, students are calling on the government to provide funding for tuition fee reductions and need-based grants,measures proven to be effective.

"High tuition fees have caused student debt to skyrocket in Nova Scotia," said Jake Byrne, Nova Scotia Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students. "Students and their families need real relief, not a re-branded tax credit scheme."

The program is estimated to cost about $14 million, an amount that could reduce tuition fees by $350 or nearly triple the province's need-based grants program.

According to the Maritimes Provinces Higher Education Commission, only one per cent of graduates cite access to tax credits as a reason for staying in the province, while the vast majoritycite financial reasons for why they leave the province after graduation. Tuition fees and student debt in Nova Scotia are the highest in the country.

Students across the province are collecting signatures on a petition asking the new government to increase funding for post-secondary education, reduce tuition fees for all students, and increase need-based grants.

"As the official opposition the NDP advocated for lower tuition fees," continued Byrne, "It's very disappointing that their first budget focuses on tax credits which are proven to be ineffective in reducing student debt and curbing the out-migration of youth."