The MP for Kenora is throwing his full support behind a $9-billion aid package for students impacted by COVID-19.
Bill C-15 has gained Senate approval and includes financial compensation to those who have seen their education and job prospects hampered by the ongoing pandemic.
Eric Melillo acknowledges these are difficult times for many.
“I personally, being someone who was just a student last year, I was taken aback that students were originally left out of the CERB and the government’s initial economic response to this crisis.”
Melillo says “A lot of students are coming out of school. They aren’t going to be able to find work this summer, through no fault of their own. They still need support in order to maintain their quality of life and in order to fund their education when they go back.”
Eligible post-secondary students will receive over $1,250 a month from May to August.
For those who have a disability, or are taking care of someone else, they will receive $2,000.
Melillo says another highlight is a promise of 76,000 new jobs in sectors that need help or are on the front line.
“We were able to negotiate with the government to have all of the students who sign up for the student benefit to also sign up for the job bank at the same time. So that will allow students to see some of the opportunities that might be available.”
The Conservative member stresses “We know students want to be working. They want to be gaining experience. They want to be contributing if they can. But we have to make sure that everyone’s able to be aware of what opportunities might be available.”
The federal government has also pledged millions in new spending to extend scholarships, grants and fellowships as well as doubling the Canada Student Grant program.
A new Canada Student Service Grant will see young people receive up to $5,000 towards their fall tuition if they volunteer in a sector needing assistance on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking in the #HouseOfCommons about the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. In this crisis, we need to support students who are out of work through no fault of their own, while empowering as many people as possible to fill available jobs.
Watch live here: https://t.co/1bpGRxmERZ— Eric Melillo (@Eric_Melillo) April 29, 2020
