PREMIER APPOINTS MCCALL TO HEAD POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY REVIEW

The provincial government will be conducting an accessibility and affordability review of post-secondary education in Saskatchewan. Premier Lorne Calvert was at the University of Regina today to announce the appointment of Regina Elphinstone-Centre MLA Warren McCall, who will lead the review.

The review will focus on issues such as student financial assistance programs and removing financial barriers for students and their families.

"I am pleased that Warren McCall has agreed to undertake the Saskatchewan government's examination of post-secondary education and opportunities for students," Calvert said. "We want to ensure that the cost of post-secondary opportunities is not a barrier for people who wish to further their education. This is particularly important given our province's need for educated and skilled workers to support our growing economy."

"This review builds on the consultations that Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment had last year with student associations and post-secondary institutions," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Those discussions highlighted the complexity of this issue and the need for a high-level review of affordable post-secondary education. The university tuition freeze is government's initial response for addressing financial accessibility. This review will continue the important work of ensuring post-secondary education is accessible and affordable."

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to lead the province's review of the affordability of post-secondary education," McCall said.  "As a university graduate, I can appreciate the need to ensure post-secondary education is accessible and affordable. I look forward to consulting with post-secondary education partners on ways to remove barriers from that reality now and into the future."

The work McCall will lead builds upon the university tuition freeze through 2008, announced in the recent provincial Budget. An interim report will be completed by January 2007 and a final report, including recommendations, is expected in fall 2007.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dianne Shannon Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0926