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  • A Brief Look at the State of Canadian Undergraduate Tuition Fees

    A Brief Look at the State of Canadian Undergraduate Tuition Fees

    By Jacob Aron Leung

    When it comes to choosing a post-secondary institution to attend, there are many factors. Many students consider if the place offers a program they’re interested in, certain specializations the school excels at, and what kind of reputation it has. One of the biggest factors, however, comes from the question about tuition: how much does it cost for their studies?

    Most Expensive Programs 

    During the 2022/2023 academic year, domestic full-time undergraduate students studying these six degree programs spent the most on tuition:

    • Dentistry ($23,963)
    • Medicine ($15,182)
    • Veterinary medicine ($14,828)
    • Law ($13,222)
    • Pharmacy ($12,291)
    • Optometry ($10,389)

    This ranking remained almost the same from the previous year. The only difference was that pharmacy surpassed optometry, compared to when their 2022/2023 tuition fees cost $11,133 and $11,235 respectively. Full-time undergraduate students paid an overall average of $6,834 in 2022/2023.

    For medicine, dentistry, and law, their status as expensive programs is not new. A 2005 Statistics Canada study found that tuition fees from the 1995-1996 to 2001-2002 academic years disclosed major undergraduate tuition raises in these programs compared to the 34 per cent increase in “all undergraduate disciplines”:

    • Dentistry: up 168 per cent
    • Medicine: up 132 per cent
    • Law: up 61 per cent

    Costs Trying to Adjust for Inflation

    While tuition depends on many variables like the type of program (certificate, diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, etc.), numbers from Statistics Canada from 2022 indicates that costs living as a student increased across the board. Costs of rent and groceries have especially impacted students.

    To account for this widespread inflation, average domestic undergraduate tuition costs started declining from 2020 onwards. In 2020, the average fees cost $6,801, and by 2022, they were $6,436. This proved minimal and short-lived, as for Statistics Canada’s projections for 2022/2023, those numbers rose again to $7,076.

    International Student Fees 

    All the numbers so far only account for domestic students. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 1,040,985 international students studied in the country by the end of 2023. Data from 2019-2024 shows that international undergraduate students pay at least four times the tuition fees than their domestic counterparts. By 2024, that number shows more than five times the price domestic students pay:

    2019/2020 academic year:

    • $6,468 (domestic undergraduate fees)
    • $29,883 (international undergraduate fees)

    2023/2024 academic year:

    • $7,076 (domestic undergraduate fees)
    • $38,081 (international undergraduate fees)

    Unlike the dip domestic students saw in their tuition fees during the early COVID years, international student fees continued to increase. While domestic undergraduate students over the past few years have seen increases up to three per cent, international undergraduate students have seen increases up to eight per cent. With the Canadian Government set to issue only 360,000 international student study permits this year — a 35 per cent decrease compared to 2023 — trying to study in Canada as an international student has only gotten harder.

  • Cultural Festivals in Toronto: Celebrating Diversity in 2024

    Cultural Festivals in Toronto: Celebrating Diversity in 2024

    Every year, many people in Canada like to go to concerts and other events in the cities or towns nearby or far away. In Toronto, many cultural festivals are available for people who want to learn more about their neighbours and what made Canada what it is.

    When people think of Canada, one of the items that might come to mind is maple syrup, which the people of Toronto celebrate with Sugar Shack TO. Although the celebration is over for 2024, it is a good event to remember for next March. The event includes live entertainment, a demonstration of how people get maple sugar out of a tree, and interactive activities where people can participate in learning more about the tradition of making maple syrup in Canada. Events are free and take place at Sugar Beach.

    Luminati Festival, running from June 5-16, shows the work of Canadian and international art and artists. The festival includes visual arts like painting and sculpture, performance art, Indigenous art, and the art of different parts of the world. Events will take place in various parts of the city. For people who like the Arts or who want to learn more about Toronto’s creativity, the Luminati Festival is a good choice.

    In August, people who enjoy Caribbean food, culture, music, and art will want to set time aside for the TD Jerk Festival. Toronto has a large Caribbean community that will help to run the festival, and many people from their own and other communities are likely to join in the celebrations. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival running from the end of July to August 1st and the Afro-Carib Fest going from August 24-25 are two other chances to celebrate Caribbean culture.

    Ontario Culture Days will take place from September 20 to October 13, 2024. This free festival allows participants to visit theatres, art studios, and other locations connected with culture. Artists, dancers, writers, and others who portray culture will have a chance to show people what they do and to encourage members of the public to develop their artistic abilities.

    The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is another cultural event that many people attend every year. The festival will include Canadian cinema, special guests, and conversations with celebrities over the eleven days of the festival. Canadian film is not as well known as American movies and television programs, but it is an important part of this country’s heritage.

    In 2023, the Toronto Diversity Festival happened over two days in August in Nathan Phillips Square. Activities included ethnic food, music, art, and crafts. Workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, and other activities gave people the chance to learn about each other’s cultures.

    For people interested in Ukraine, the Toronto Ukrainian Festival running from September 13th to 15th will feature food, music, and other entertainment. With so many Ukrainians coming to Canada, the festival should be a good chance for people to learn about their new neighbours.

    These are only a few of Toronto’s cultural festivals happening in 2024. If you plan to be in the Toronto area in the summer months, you might want to check out these and other events.

     

    Bibliography

    Curiocity. “22 of the Biggest Events to Look Forward to in 2024.” https://curiocity.com/biggest-events-to-look-forward-toronto-2024/#google_vignette.

    Festivals Toronto. “Toronto Diversity Festival.” https://festivalstoronto.com/events/toronto-diversity-festival/#google_vignette.

    Luminato. “Luminato Festival Toronto.” https://www.luminatofestival.com.

    Ontario Culture Days. “Toronto Theatre Days.” https://onculturedays.ca.

    Presse Canadienne. “Timeline: Major Moments in Cirque du Soleil’s History.” https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/timeline-major-moments-in-cirque-du-soleils-history.

    Curiocity. 22 of the biggest events to look forward to in Toronto in 2024. Sokic, Nicholas. “10 Music Festivals Coming to Toronto.” https://dailyhive.com/toronto/10-music-festivals-coming-to-toronto-in-2024.

    To Do Toronto. “The Biggest Events Happening in Toronto in 2024.” https://www.todotoronto.com/posts/the-biggest-events-happening-in-toronto-in-2024

    Toronto Dance. “Afro-Carib Fest: A Spectacle of Diversity and Celebration in Toronto.” https://www.torontodance.com/afro-carib-fest-a-spectacle-of-diversity-and-celebration-in-toronto/#google_vignette.

  • Role of Counsellors in BC High Schools

    Role of Counsellors in BC High Schools

    Suppose that you needed help with planning your future career or with an issue at school. You might decide to go talk to the school counsellor. People in this profession are trained to help students deal with the various problems they encounter. In British Columbia, as elsewhere, school counsellors are important for students’ welfare.

    A good school can help students learn the skills they need for the future, whether with learning to read and write, make calculations, or help preserve the environment. However, these skills are only part of what people need to do well in life. School counsellors help students with social and emotional development, mental health concerns, and anything else that they might need.

    In addition, school counsellors help older students explore career options and choose jobs that suit them. Often, they suggest courses for students to take so that they can get into the right training after high school. For example, a student who wants to become a doctor or a dentist should take science courses such as chemistry or physics in high school, but someone who wants to become a writer should concentrate on courses like English or history. A good school counsellor can make recommendations and guide students to the best courses for them.

    Providing high-quality school counselling requires education and experience. In British Columbia, school counsellors must have a professional teaching certificate, as well as a master’s degree in a field such as counselling psychology. They should also have some experience in teaching or working in other roles in schools so that they know how the system works and the kinds of issues students normally have.

    Many factors affect student’s needs, including family income, community support, and health. Issues such as depression, divorce of parents, loneliness, lack of self-esteem, stress, and substance abuse are some of the most common problems that students face. In many schools, bullying is a major issue, and some students are even driven to suicide. A good school counsellor can help students work through their problems before they become very severe.

    Often, school counsellors work with individual students to help them deal with whatever situations they are facing. Sometimes, however, they might work with groups of students or even teach classes on various issues. If anxiety about the future is a problem for many students, for example, a school counsellor might teach a class on job search skills or environmental protection. Classes on understanding emotional or mental health can also help students understand what they are experiencing.

    Being a good listener is an important skill for school counsellors. They need to listen to the words that students are saying but also to understand that much more could be behind the words. Counsellors need to ask the right questions so that they can learn as much as possible about the problem. For example, a normally good student who is failing tests and not handing in assignments might be having trouble studying at home and might need a quiet study space. Another might be dealing with the death of a relative. Working to understand the deeper issues is important for school counsellors.

    In BC, as elsewhere, school counsellors have an important role in helping students deal with issues in their lives and in assisting with career planning. With their help, school can be a valuable and productive time for all students.

     

    Bibliography

    British Columbia School Counsellors’ Association. “Comprehensive School Counselling Model.” https://supportforlearning.sd61.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/2022/11/BCSCA-Comprehensive-School-Counselling-Model.pdf.

    Graham-Migel, Janice and Lisa Cheyne-Zanic. “School Counselling in Canada: An Examination of the School Counselling Profession in Canadian Provinces and Territories.” https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/School-Counselling-in-Canada-Presentation-CCPA-Conference-14-May-2019.pdf.

    Vancouver School Board. “High School Counsellors.” https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5131/high-school-counsellors.

    Wikipedia.org. “School Counselor.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_counselor.

  • Tips for Finding Out Post-Secondary School Student Services

    Tips for Finding Out Post-Secondary School Student Services

    By Jacob Aron Leung

    For many new students, going to post-secondary can be overwhelming. A whole new school means lots of opportunities to meet people and learn new things. One other thing that new students benefit from is the number of services that many schools offer.

    However, without looking, many students may not know what their schools provide. Whether you’re a new student stepping on campus for the first time, or a seasoned student looking to explore their school more, here are some tips for getting the most out of your school services.

    Financial Services

    Post-secondary institutions have financial services to help students pay for the multitude of expenses that life brings during schooling. These offerings include:

    • Help for sudden financial emergencies, such as changes in living situations, food security, and other unforeseen circumstances
    • Bursaries — monetary rewards granted to students displaying a financial need.
    • Scholarships — monetary rewards granted to students, usually for displaying community or academic accomplishments. Some scholarships are based on financial need, but not all of them.

    Be sure to check the requirements for bursaries and scholarships because they all require different criteria. Bursaries usually require applications because of the financial record aspect, and they may apply to a certain demographic within their institution. While many scholarships do require proof of eligibility, they may not require an application depending on the circumstances. For example, the University of Victoria lists in-course scholarships and awards that do not require manual applications. The government of Ontario has a list of financial aid offices across their province’s public colleges and universities here.

    Counselling and Health Services

    Counselling and health services exist on campuses to help students navigate their physical and mental health. According to a 2022 study by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, one in two students had accessed their post-secondary institution’s mental health services. However, only 28 per cent of the 2,000 surveyed students were “aware of how to access [on-campus support] services.” A large factor limiting access was not only the long wait times but also the unawareness of the services offered. While on-campus counselling services suffer from long wait times, these services are free for all students and counselling offices often provide brochures outlining students’ options.

    Health services on campuses tackle many areas a general practitioner can, as well as offer referrals for more specific needs. Health services on post-secondary campuses are still equipped with professionals ready to help students. Additionally, some campuses may have separate designated sexual health clinics. Many institutions’ student unions offer a student health plan to help offset any health-related costs while studying.

    Student Union Services

    Post-secondary schools often have a corresponding student union, a group representing and supporting a college’s students. Students enrolled in institutions also automatically qualify as members of their student union. Though student unions operate separately from the schools, there is often overlap where they collaborate through services.

    Student unions often offer a variety of supports and services for student life including:

    • A dedicated ombudsperson service, that deals with complaints students may have about their student union or college. At some institutions, such as the University of British Columbia, the student union ombudsperson is separate from the school’s ombudsperson.
    • Legal and tax assistance services. Many student unions offer tax clinics or someone to help students navigate tax inquiries. Some student unions offer a legal representative for students to consult with for issues such as rent, employment, immigration, and many other problems they may encounter.
    • Peer support groups. Separate from a school’s counselling services, students find support through discussing with other students. While these services do not guarantee professional help, the more casual environment can ease students into the idea of opening up and not feeling alone. They can be a good alternative while waiting for counselling help.

    There are many more services available in Canadian post-secondary institutions not outlined in this article — when in doubt, students can consult various sources like their student engagement office or institution’s website. Every institution is different, but they all have services in place to serve their students. Schools have services in place to help students earn their academic credentials while ensuring they are supported in other aspects of life.

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for April 2024

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for April 2024

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program at Western University
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: April 20, 2024

     

    Four Directions Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 4
    Award Deadline: June 28, 2024

     

    Eaton – Indigenous Clean Energy Scholarship: Summer 2024
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 30, 2024

     

    Awards for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: August 31, 2024

     

    Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures
    Award Deadlines: July 1, 2024; August 1, 2024; November 1, 2024

     

    Additional Resources

    Electro Federation Canada Scholarships for Indigenous Students

    Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

    Métis Student Bursary Program

    MNO Major Targeted Bursaries

    Other Scholarships and Bursaries

  • April 2024 Scholarships – Apply now!

    April 2024 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Emmett and Loretta Regan Memorial Award
    Scholarship Value: $4,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2024

     

    Canada’s Luckiest Student 2024
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2024

     

    Schulich Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $7,500
    Awards Available: N/A
    Award Deadline: May 1, 2024

     

    University of New Brunswick: Win Free Tuition for 2024
    Scholarship Value: $10,400
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 1, 2024

     

    Brian Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 6
    Award Deadline: June 10, 2024

     

    Nicole LeClair Wedding Bursary Award
    Scholarship Value: $2,000
    Awards Available: 4
    Award Deadline: June 30, 2024

     

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 30, 2024

     

    DCCI Scholarship for Canadian Students with Disabilities
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2024

     

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

     

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Student Mental Health in New Learning Environments

    Student Mental Health in New Learning Environments

    The way we learn keeps evolving, and with that comes a fresh set of challenges. One of the most important is supporting your mental health. This article explores some key strategies that schools, educators, and even you can use to navigate these new learning landscapes and prioritize well-being.

    Building a Supportive Classroom Community

    Imagine a classroom that feels safe and welcoming, where everyone is valued and respected. This kind of positive environment can make a huge difference in your mental well-being. Educators play a key role in creating this by setting clear expectations and promoting a sense of care and understanding. Simple things like using humour, checking in with students regularly, and showing genuine interest can go a long way.

    Understanding Mental Health

    Educators need to recognize the signs that a student might be struggling. This involves understanding mental health in general, but also being aware of the unique challenges that students from diverse backgrounds face. Some educators are even incorporating social-emotional learning into their curriculum, teaching you valuable skills like managing stress, resolving conflicts, and building empathy.

    Partnering with Parents and the Community

    Your parents or guardians can be a huge source of support when it comes to your mental health. Schools that prioritize open communication with families are on the right track. This allows them to share insights and work together to reinforce these skills you’re learning at school. Clear and supportive communication is key, especially if there are any concerns about your well-being.

    Leveraging Policies and Frameworks

    Schools should have a clear framework in place to address student mental health. This could involve creating inclusive environments, promoting well-being through teaching practices, and building connections with local mental health resources. Think of it as a roadmap that helps ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to supporting you.

    Addressing Individual Needs

    Everyone experiences challenges differently. If you’re facing mental health issues, educators should be prepared to offer targeted support. This might involve connecting you with professional help or even adjusting your learning experience to accommodate your needs.

    The Bottom Line

    Supporting student mental health is a team effort. Educators, parents, and the wider community all play a role. By embracing a collaborative approach and fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments, we can help students navigate whatever challenges they face and ensure everyone thrives in their educational journey.

  • Indigenous Perspectives on AI Ethics

    Indigenous Perspectives on AI Ethics

    Have you been keeping up with all the crazy advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It’s cool stuff, like a super-powered brain learning and doing all sorts of things. But with all this new tech, there are questions about how to use it right, especially for folks with different backgrounds and traditions.

    That’s where Indigenous communities come in. They’ve been around for a long time, connected to the land and each other in deep ways. Their knowledge can teach us a lot about developing AI ethically.

    Think about it — if an AI system is helping with healthcare or even how our communities are run, wouldn’t it be awesome if it worked for everyone, not just some? Including Indigenous voices in these discussions is key to making sure AI reflects a range of experiences and values.

    Here’s the thing: Indigenous perspectives on AI ethics are unique. They focus on a few key areas:

    1. Respecting Your Space: Imagine having full control of your photos or what people know about you online. That’s what autonomy is all about. Indigenous communities emphasize this, and in the world of AI, it means making sure these systems don’t take over our choices.
    2. Community First: Remember that big family gathering you loved? That’s the kind of community spirit many Indigenous cultures have. AI shouldn’t break that up, right? Instead, it should help people connect and make things stronger, not widen any gaps.
    3. Honouring the Land: The land isn’t just dirt for Indigenous communities, it’s like a wise old friend and a source of knowledge and identity. AI shouldn’t push people away from their land, but instead help us take care of it for generations to come.
    4. Thinking Long Term: Imagine looking out for your grandkids, making sure they have a good world to grow up in. That’s intergenerational equity. When building AI, we need to think about how it will affect people way down the line.
    5. Fairness Matters: Imagine helping someone out and getting a thank you in return. That’s reciprocity. Just as Indigenous communities emphasize giving back to the water, plants, soil, and animals that provide life, if their knowledge helps develop AI, it’s only fair they get something back, not taken advantage of.

    Here’s the kicker: talking to Indigenous communities about AI ethics isn’t enough. We need to work together, share ideas, and build this AI thing right from the start. This way, AI becomes something that works for everyone, not just a select few.

    Sure, there might be some bumps along the road when putting ancient wisdom together with fancy new tech. But there’s also a huge chance to use AI for good: protecting languages, keeping traditions alive, and building tools that address specific needs in Indigenous communities.

    By embracing these perspectives, we can create AI that’s not just smart, but also respectful and fair. Pretty cool, right? That’s how we build a digital future where everyone has a seat at the table.

  • Unlocking Potential Through Gifted Programs in B.C.

    Unlocking Potential Through Gifted Programs in B.C.

    Ever wonder how schools help and support students who excel academically? British Columbia’s education system is all about celebrating everyone’s strengths, and that includes gifted and talented programs. These programs are designed to challenge super-smart students and help them blossom. But are they working? Let’s investigate!

    First things first, how do they even figure out who’s “gifted”? It’s not just about straight A’s. We all have our strengths and different ways of displaying them. These students are superstars in all sorts of areas, maybe math, art, or maybe they’re just natural leaders. The way they find these students is thorough, making sure all kinds of talent get a shot at these special programs.

    Alright, so what goes on in these gifted programs? They have classes that dig even deeper into subjects, like advanced science or crazy cool history projects. It’s all about getting these students to think outside the box and keeping that love for learning burning bright.

    One of the best organizations for a deeper dive is the Gifted Children’s Association of B.C., founded in 1983 as a not-for-profit charity building awareness about gifted children, as well as how to support them.

    So, do these programs work? Research shows that students in gifted programs tend to be way more engaged and motivated, which means their grades soar in all kinds of subjects. Plus, the classes are designed to be a real challenge, so they don’t get bored and can truly understand the material.

    But school isn’t just about grades, right? These programs consider how students are feeling too. That’s why these programs create a space where gifted students can hang out with other like-minded peers, which is awesome for their social development. However, it’s important to remember that this can also come with challenges, like feeling extra sensitive or having high expectations of yourself. These programs make sure they’re there to support students through that too.

    Now, not everyone thinks these gifted programs are perfect. Some folks worry that they make students feel superior or cut them off from their regular classmates. Others worry that the quality of these programs can vary wildly, and not everyone who deserves to be in them gets a fair shot. These are valid concerns, and B.C. needs to make sure these programs are top-notch and accessible to everyone in the province.

    So, what does the future hold for gifted programs in B.C.? Well, a recent decision to pause admissions for a provincial program has led to concerns. The Transition Program for Gifted Students, also known as the University Transition Program (UTP), is run by the province’s Ministry of Education, Vancouver School Board, and the University of B.C. It’s been around for nearly three decades, but last month the UTP announced it is pausing enrolments for the coming year due to concerns over students’ mental health. The school has raised concerns about separating these students from their peers into a gifted program, while advocates worry this could lead to the program being shelved for good.

    Through the good and the bad, B.C.’s gifted programs can be a launchpad for amazing things. These students can truly reach their potential and become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. More than anything else, it is essential that we understand how we can make sure all learners get the chance to shine.

  • The Benefits of Adopting a Four-Day Workweek in Canada

    The Benefits of Adopting a Four-Day Workweek in Canada

    Ever dream of having an extra day off every week? Well, Canada, along with plenty of other countries, is buzzing with the idea of a four-day workweek! From construction sites to office towers, businesses are exploring the possibilities – but is it actually feasible? Let’s dive in and see what Canadian experts are saying.

    Feasibility Across Different Sectors

    The feasibility of implementing a four-day workweek varies by sector. In goods-producing sectors like construction and manufacturing, higher overtime rates suggest that reducing work hours might require additional staffing to maintain productivity. In contrast, service-oriented sectors, such as professional and technical services, might find it easier to adopt flexible work arrangements due to lower physical output dependency.

    Economic and Business Implications

    The four-day workweek can lead to cost savings for businesses, particularly in reducing employee burnout, sick days, and related absences. The David Suzuki Foundation, for instance, found that shorter working hours improved employee well-being and productivity, which in turn could reduce office-related expenses and environmental impacts. However, small businesses might face administrative challenges, and the shift could have implications for wages, vacation pay, and employee benefits.

     Employee Wellbeing and Productivity

    Trials of the four-day workweek have shown promising results in enhancing employee well-being, reducing stress and burnout, and improving work-life balance. Additionally, productivity levels in participating companies either remained stable or improved, demonstrating that fewer working hours do not necessarily equate to reduced output.

     Legal and Organizational Considerations

    Employers considering the transition to a four-day workweek need to carefully plan and communicate changes to scheduling, benefits, and payroll. Involving employees in the decision-making process and clearly outlining the new policies are crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition.

     A Life-Changing Shift

    A significant trial involving 61 companies showed that a four-day workweek could substantially reduce employee stress and burnout, with a majority of the participating companies choosing to continue with the shortened workweek. The trial underscored the importance of rethinking work processes and eliminating inefficiencies to support the new work model.

    While the adoption of a four-day workweek in Canada presents several benefits, particularly in terms of employee well-being and potential cost savings, it requires careful consideration of various factors, including sector-specific challenges, economic implications, and legal requirements.

    So, the four-day workweek in Canada? It’s not just a dream anymore. While there are challenges to consider depending on the industry, the potential benefits for both employees and businesses are undeniable. JobsPeopleDo will continue to track what happens with these changes as time goes by – Canada’s work landscape might be in for a major shift!