NBSA’s RESPONSE TO SEED PROGRAM CHANGES
Fredericton, NB- On January 21, 2020, Hon. Trevor Holder, the minister responsible for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL), announced a series of changes to the application process for the Student Employment Experience Development (SEED) program. The employers who are qualified to participate in the program are now limited to First Nations, municipalities, and non-profit groups. The New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) values the importance that the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) is placing on these organizations. However, these changes will limit the variety of work opportunities available for students who are interested in working within the business sector.
Moreover, the changes related to the involvement of members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) in the employer selection process and the drastic reduction in the amount of placements available creates some cause for concern. The NBSA advocated for the removal of politicians from the selection process to enable fair and equal opportunities to students. We view these changes as a step in the wrong direction by politicizing the postsecondary sector. Student issues are being ignored and convoluted in a system that prioritizes political wins over resolving the real concerns of students.
"At its core, the SEED program was created to provide students with work experience to boost their income and their competitiveness in the post-graduation job market. By granting the vouchers directly to students, the previous model recognized that students are their own best advocates and should be empowered to seek out positions and employers that best suit their field of study," said Elise Vaillancourt, NBSA Board Director.
The SEED program's voucher system, which we believe could have been improved, placed the onus on the student while depoliticizing the program. Instead, the current political game is prioritized, and MLAs will have input over the selection based on the focus of their electoral districts, rather than the needs of individual students. Moreover, the decrease in placements means that 200 students will lose an opportunity to build potential professional connections within their communities.
Students of New Brunswick need a transparent SEED program that sets out a clear and principled guidelines for the eligibility of both employers and students. The NBSA believes that nonpartisanship is necessary if we are to co-create a progressive future for postsecondary within our province.
Contact Information
Kjeld Mizpah (KJ) Conyers-Steede
director@nbsa-aenb.ca
(506) 650-3511
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