Halifax federal candidates debate student issues

HALIFAX – Federal candidates in the riding of Halifax once again faced off in a debate, this time taking questions from students on issues important to them.

The debate was hosted by the Dalhousie Student Union and The Canadian Federation of Students. Although the candidates argued a variety of topics ranging from mental health to climate change, the main concerns from students were tuition debt and job security.

“I care about making sure that the world I will work in in a few years is stable enough for me to find a job,” said student Brianna Titus.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I care about making sure that the world I will work in in a few years is stable enough for me to find a job," said student Brianna Titus.

Officials from the Dalhousie Student Union say students in Nova Scotia have the third highest tuition fees in the country and students in the province graduate with an average of $35,642 of debt.

Each candidate argued a solution.

“The most important thing coming out of university is the ability to have a job,” said CPC Candidate Irvine Carvery.

“Tuition is too high, it’s not accessible. We need to change that,” said NDP Candidate Megan Leslie

“We need to make loans fair and accessible and make sure students can pay for loans once their education is done,” said Andy Fillmore, Liberal Candidate.

But for many students in attendance, they are just beginning post secondary life and this will be their first time voting in a federal election.

“I’m really excited to vote. It’s always been for me something that’s really important and something excited to do,” said Beth Hawco, a second year history major.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I'm really excited to vote. It's always been for me something that's really important and something excited to do," said Beth Hawco, a second year history major.

However, student leaders admit getting youth excited has been a challenge in the past. They said part the onus is on the candidates.

“Ultimately we need to see federal leaders step up to the plate to make sure they are proposing in their platforms student issues as election issues and that will bring students to the polls this October,” said Michaela Sam of the Canadian Federation of Students.

Last election, only 40 per cent of students voted. Students said if more of them do head to the polls, they can make a difference.

“We have so much power if we use that and vote in this election, that’s why we are doing everything we can to make sure it happens, students are going to vote,” said John Hutton, Dalhousie Student Union.

The Dalhousie Student Union will also be hosting an advanced polling station for students in the Student Union Building from October 5-8th.