More from the June Budget: Teachers, Students and Homeowners Take Note

There are many items of importance to Canadians included in the recent federal budget.  Educators, students, homeowners and supporters of the arts will be interested in these measures:

Education and Training:

• The Government intends to enhance and expand eligibility for Canada Student Loans and Grants for part-time and full-time post-secondary students. Some jurisdictions may make the federal enhancements available for the 2011ñ12 academic year; it is expected that these changes will be fully implemented by all regionsin the 2012ñ13 academic year.
• Starting in 2012ñ13, the Government will also forgive a portion of the federal component of Canada Student Loans for new family physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners who agree to work in under-served rural and remote communities
• An investment $9 million over two years to expand adult basic education programming in the territories is planned in orderto increase employment opportunities for Northerners.
• Providing up to $10 million a year in tax relief and Registered Education Savings Plan assistance to the increasing number of Canadian post-secondary students who study abroad will begin in 2011. The 13-week minimum duration requirement will be reduced from thirteen to three consecutive weeks with respect to the Education and Textbook Tax Credits.
• The budget provides $10 million over two years to develop and implement an international education strategy that will reinforce Canada as a country of choice to study and conduct world-class research.
• The Government encourages skills certification by making all occupational, trade and professional examination fees eligible for tax relief.
• Many foreign-trained workers have difficulty paying for the tuition and other training costs associated with the foreign credential recognition process. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada will test ways to help foreign trained workers to cover these costs.

Environmental Initiatives:

• The budget pledges $400 million in 2011ñ12 for the ecoENERGY Retrofit ñ Homes program to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.
• Budget 2011 invests $22 million over two years to help First Nations ensure that the fuel tanks that power their essential community services, such as water and waste water treatment systems, schools and community buildings, meet new environmental safety standards.
• The budget has set aside $58 million over two years to support a suite of programs aimed at helping Canadians adapt to a changing climate.

For more information, consult EverGreen Explanatory Notes as new legislation is introduced!

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: EverGreen Explanatory Notes