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Halton MP takes tuition news to high school by Melanie Hennessey Metroland West Media 7 | Thursday, March 31, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton students are applauding the Province's recent move to make the average post-secondary tuition free for low- and middle-income families. Pupils at Milton's Craig Kielburger Secondary School were on-hand Tuesday morning for Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris' media event in the school lobby, where she shared details of the new program targeted to help more than 150,000 students across the province. "Free Tuition" signs decorated the foyer where the students and local dignitaries gathered to hear the Halton MPP speak. "I'm happy to say that college and university is going to become an option for many more students than ever before," she said. "I'm excited, and students and families in Halton Region should be excited, too. This new grant is going to make it so much easier for families to plan for their children's education, no matter their income level. In some cases, it (tuition) is going to be totally free." The news was well-received by students like Jessica Lockwood, who is in Grade 10 at Craig Kielburger. "I think it's a really good thing for our government to do. College and university shouldn't just be something that people with more money can access," she said. With her sights already set on pursuing a Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris spoke with students at Milton's Craig Kielburger Secondary School, where she explained the provincial government's plans to invest in education. | photo by Melanie Hennessey - Metroland West Media career in nursing, Lockwood knows she has many years of schooling and potentially steep tuition costs ahead of her. "But I shouldn't have to be scared about that. People shouldn't be afraid to pursue what they want to do because of how much it will cost," she said. The Province's recently released 2016 budget introduced the Ontario Student Grant -- a non-repayable grant that will be offered starting in the 2017-18 school year to students from households making $50,000 or less per year. The system overhaul will also provide the majority of eligible students whose parents earn the median annual income of $83,300 or less with grants to cover their tuition costs and more. In addition, the Liberals have said they'll ensure eligible students don't receive less nonpayable aid through the new grant than they currently do through the 30 per cent off Ontario Tuition Grant. "By investing now in our students' education, we are helping to secure their future success and strengthening the local Halton economy," said Naidoo-Harris. "The modernization of our province's student assistance program will have an important and positive impact on Ontario families." She noted there's currently a gap in postsecondary attendance in Ontario, with only 22 per cent of the province's lowest-income students currently pursuing college or university, compared to 77 per cent of youths from highincome households. "Quite simply, that's not good enough. We can do better, and that's what were trying to do," she said. "This grant tears down barriers that prevent thousands of high school graduates from going on to complete a university degree or diploma." "This will make a difference for students who are at a disadvantage," said Craig Kielburger Principal Donna Taylor. years in Oakville 9 Now offeriNg spriNg passs for uNlimited classes from april 01 uNtil JuNe 30 First class is FREE @ Glen Abbey United Church, 1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville BRING THIS AD AND TAkE $5 OFF ANy PUNCH CARD CLASS SCHEDULE THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY BEGINNER 7:00 - 8:00 pm ZUMBA TONING 8:05-9:05 pm ZUMBA 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 5:30 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 5:30 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA TONING 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 7:00 - 8:00 pm BEGINNER 7:00 - 8:00 pm ZUMBA TONING 8:05 - 9:05 pm ZUMBA 11 :30 am - 12:30 pm NEW YEAR NEW SALE 490 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE KDESIGNCABINETRY.COM 905.339.2223 PRICE LIST 5 Class 10 Class 20 Class 30 Class $50 $90 $160 $210 Monthly Pass First Class Drop in Spring Season Pass $75 FREE $12 $190 (unlimited classes April 01 until June 30') Prices includes HST · Accepted payments: cash, check or online via PayPal · Please make CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ZUMBA FITNESS CANADA Please check website for updates.