COVID-19 Response: Help for students and recent grads

April 22, 2020

As Canadians continue working together to fight the spread of COVID-19, our government’s number one priority is ensuring that all Canadians are safe, healthy, and supported — including young Canadians.

Canada’s prosperity depends on young Canadians getting the education and the experience they need to succeed in today’s labour market, and students will define our path forward towards a better, more equal society. But that can be tough when there aren’t as many jobs, and when students are finding it hard to pay for tuition or day-to-day basics.

Our Liberal government is doing whatever it takes to help Canadians get through this difficult time, and no one should have to choose between taking action against COVID-19 and their education. That’s why today Justin Trudeau announced nearly $9 billion of comprehensive support to help students and recent grads:

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

  • For students and recent graduates not covered by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, this benefit would provide $1,250 per month from May through August for eligible students, and $1,750 for students with dependents or permanent disabilities. The Liberal government will be working with opposition parties to move forward on legislation to put this new Benefit in place.

Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)

  • To help students gain valuable work experience and help their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant will provide up to $5,000 for a student’s education in the fall for students who choose to work in national service positions and serve their community.

Creating 76,000 jobs for young people in addition to the Canada Summer Jobs program, in sectors that need an extra hand right now or that are on the frontlines of this pandemic.

Doubling the Canada Students Grants Program for the 2020-2021 school year (and granting funding to support Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories through their existing financial assistance programs for students).

Broadening the eligibility for Student Financial Assistance

  • This includes removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions for 2020-2021.

Enhancing the Canada Student Loans Program

  • Raising the maximum amount that can be provided from $210 to $350.

Over $75 million to increase support specifically for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nation students.

Extending expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships as well as federal research grants, by providing $291.6 million to the federal granting councils.

These significant new supports will help young Canadians get through this difficult time and play a central role in ensuring Canada emerges from these challenges stronger than ever.

Ensuring that our youth have the skills and experience they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing labour market is key to strengthening our economy, building a more inclusive Canada, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

For more details on the Liberal government’s plan to support students and recent grads, please see the Prime Minister’s full news release.

You can also find out more about the strong action that the Liberal government is taking to support families, workers, businesses, and vulnerable Canadians affected by the COVID-19 crisis by reading about Canada’s Economic Response Plan, and seeing if you are eligible for support like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Whether it’s for details on physical distancing, prevention, info for returning travelers, or more, you can also visit Canada.ca/Coronavirus for the most up-to-date information and resources to help keep you and your loved ones safe and prepared.

Thank you for your involvement and support, and all our best to you and your loved ones.

– Liberal Party of Canada