Millennium Scholarships to Benefit Students

Starting in January 2000, and continuing for the next 10 years, almost $95 million will be awarded to Nova Scotia students in Canada Millennium Scholarships.

Each year, 3,000 full-time post-secondary students who receive government financial assistance and 110 graduating high school students will be eligible for the awards offered by the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

An agreement between the province and the foundation setting out the scholarships was signed today in Halifax by Wayne Gaudet, Minister of Education and Culture, Norman Riddell, executive director and chief executive officer of the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, and student representative Troy Humber, vice-president of student affairs, Saint Mary's University Student Association.

Kelly MacKenzie, student representative on the Nova Scotia Council on Higher Education, and foundation directors Mary Morrisey and Sean Riley also attended the event.

"The millennium scholarships are another piece of the puzzle as we work to assist students with the cost of continuing their education," said Mr. Gaudet. "This will put $9 million back into the pockets of students in this province -- students who need it the most."

Ms. MacKenzie echoed the minister's comments, saying she is hopeful the scholarships will attract many more bright, young Nova Scotians into the post-secondary system.

"An advantage of the millennium scholarships is that it will be available not only to students already in post-secondary education, but to high school students who are now deciding whether to continue their studies."

Mr. Riddell said he believes "the Canada Millennium Scholarships represent a major step forward for Nova Scotia students. For many of them, this help will make a big difference.

"The foundation is confident that it will be able to provide scholarships to students across Canada beginning early next year, and agreements with other provinces and territories will be announced shortly. The foundation is determined to put money in the hands of students as soon as possible. The agreements announced with Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and, today, with Nova Scotia, clearly demonstrate that our program is complementary to existing programs and avoids duplication."

The foundation estimates the millennium scholarships will displace $3.5 million of provincial assistance. As part of the agreement, the Department of Education and Culture will reinvest savings in programs that benefit students.

The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation is an autonomous organization created by the Parliament of Canada following a commitment in 1997 by the prime minister to promote access to post-secondary education. It oversees a $2.5-billion fund set up by the federal government.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder outlining the details of the Nova Scotia agreement can be obtained by calling 902-424-2795.