We must stand up for education
Any short-term savings from post-secondary cuts will hurt in the long run
The first thing we have to acknowledge about post-secondary education is that it does not make you smart, it makes you educated.
Post-secondary education will not bestow a superior intelligence, but it will provide the holder with a set of skills and or knowledge that will allow them to become a professional astrophysicist, carpenter, surgeon or mechanic.
Most people view an education as path to a higher income and that is, for the most part, true.
Statistics Canada figures for 2015 provide the following information regarding average earnings for men and women based on their level of education.
For men, an apprenticeship certificate provides average earnings of $72,955. That figure is 7 per cent higher than a man with a college education, 31 per cent higher than a man with a high school diploma and 11 per cent less than a man with a bachelor's degree.
For women, a bachelor’s degree will provide average earnings of $68,342. That figure is 40 per cent higher than a woman with a college diploma, 60 per cent more than a woman with a high school education and 80 per cent more than a woman with an apprenticeship certificate.
Education is not the sole determinant of a person’s income. Location and specific jobs will play a significant part in the level of pay a person achieves. An example can be found in the pay rate for high school graduates. In Alberta it’s about $70,000, in P.E.I. it is about $40,000.
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study dealing with Issues Facing Indigenous and Visible Minorities in Post-secondary Education in Western Canada. Below are a two quotes form that study:
“In today’s highly globalized knowledge-based society post-secondary education (PSE) is fast becoming a minimum requirement for securing employment that can afford young adults the economic, social and personal resources needed for better health and quality of life. Young adults who do not pursue postsecondary education are likely to experience a lower socio economic status (SES) than those who acquire further education and skills [13]. In 2005, 66.9 per cent of Canadians with a PSE qualification reported being in excellent or very good health vs. 42.9 per cent of those without a high school diploma.”
“In 2006, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that the percentage of people claiming positive life satisfaction increased with educational attainment [3]. Advanced education is also associated with positive societal outcomes including higher productivity, innovation, economic growth and stronger communities.”
There can be no doubt that a postsecondary education is a critical factor in the success of individuals as well as having significant positive affects on our society.
It is very difficult to understand why a politician would view education as a cost rather than an asset, but that is the case in Ontario with our current provincial government.
Claiming to be open for business then cutting education funding is never going to be seen as a positive for corporations seeking to move to Ontario. A well-educated citizenry will draw high paying jobs to a jurisdiction. Politicians who are wise enough to realize teachers are part of the economic engine that drives a successful and prosperous province would never make huge cuts to education.
Reducing the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) could result in thousands of students being unable to attend a college or university. If that happens the entire province will be adversely affected.
In the long term, a less educated population will result in higher health costs and fewer high paying jobs as corporations search elsewhere for an educated resident population. It will also mean a less involved populace when it comes to everything from political involvement to volunteering.
There is absolutely no rational reason to put roadblocks in the way of people who are seeking higher education.
The constant claim by the current provincial government that cutting education costs will ensure its survival is simply ridiculous. Study after study has shown that the higher educated members of a society earn more and pay more taxes and they are also, generally, healthier, thereby reducing health costs.
The previous Conservative premier, Mike Harris, attacked education and teachers in particular. It appears our current Conservative will follow that same path.
The question is how much damage will be done to your children’s education system, and how long will it take to recover and repair that damage?
Education is too important to have it become an ideological scapegoat for politicians. Let your MPP know that you do not want cuts to education that will hurt our province.