North Island-Powell River MP asked the government to renew its committment to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program last week, saying the program 鈥渋s well managed, but it faces tremendous pressues and increasing demand.鈥�
MP Rachel Blaney wrote a letter to Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland asking the government to renew its committment to the program with a one-time $20 million investment.
According to a release from Blaney, the national average tuition for post-secondary students in Canada has increased by over 820 per cent since 1982, while the award, which was intended to cover more than tuition, has only grown by 233 per cent. It has not received additional government support in 18 years.
鈥淭he values of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program align solidly with the values of Canadians and the government. Over the past 41 years, these individuals advanced many humanitarian causes, and require our support,鈥� Blaney wrote. 鈥淎s a child I watched Terry Fox run across the country and I remember thinking about how brave he was. This honours his legacy.鈥�
Established through two agreements with the Government of Canada in 1982 and 2006, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is granted annually to students who have voluntarily completed humanitarian service and overcome adversity. They must be planning to or already be studying towards their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or entering their second year of CEGEP in the upcoming academic year.
鈥淲hile most scholarships prioritize grades and leadership, this award weighs: humanitarianism as defined by the depth and breadth of impact on others, particularly in areas addressing the most pressing needs of today; and courage and tenacity in overcoming obstacles such as those faced by our nation鈥檚 most marginalized communities,鈥� Blaney wrote.
鈥淚 firmly believe that federal funding support is needed to sustain the scholarship during a time when rising tuition fees, living expenses, and housing costs in Canada have outpaced inflation,鈥� the says.
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