Students Protest Student Debt
It’s a season of protests as University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas students unite to fight student debt. Students marched in protest at the Legislative Building.
Their reason for protesting is because of the cuts of student debt relief programs made earlier this spring. These programs include the free tuition program, and the tuition relief for the middle-class program.
This small protest was led by UNB Student Union president, Craig Fernandez, and STU Student Union member, Ailish Mackenzie-Foley. Their slogan is Don’t Cut Our Future.
Fernandez said he has to fight for those that look to him to lead them.
“Hearing the stories from other students about how they’ve been impacted by these changes, really really spoke to me. At first, I found it discouraging, but then I really found myself spur into action and wanting to do something and that’s where this campaign was born out of.” Said Fernandez
Despite the passionate chanting by the students, the protest was small. Very few people showed up, but the protest was full of surprises. New Brunswick Green Party leader, David Coon made a surprise appearance in support of the students.
The support didn’t show in numbers, but in spirit. At STU, a wall of student debt stories was on display. Students could write their personal stories or experiences going through student debt, or how much they owe.
Fernandez believes that they can make real change even if it’s just them.
“I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think change was possible. I think change really starts with groups of people coming together and standing behind a cause.” He said
Within the beauty outside the legislature, one protester left a gift to remember them by. Second-year student, Will Robertson left a Tim Horton’s cup on the front steps of the legislature.
Robertson said despite having a walkway that nearly bankrupted the province, he couldn’t find a garbage can. So, he and his partner decided to send a message.
“They don’t have a garbage can out here, so when it comes to the debt relief program and why we’re out here protesting, they’re treating students like trash. So, I thought I treat them like trash right back and put my trash on their doorstep with the hashtag Don’t Cut Our Future.” Said Robertson.
