Grenfell students call a meeting with the Education Minister in light of MUN overspending

Vicky Quao is the vice-president external at Grenfell Campus Student Union. She says for the longest time, the university was known for having the lowest tuition fees in all of Canada but that’s no longer the case.

Grenfell Campus students held a National Day of Action rally last week against overspending by Memorial University. A recent report by the Auditor General highlighted one meal that costs $7000 and included alcohol, $500 limousine rides and fancy chocolates. Vicky Quao is the vice-president external at Grenfell Campus Student Union. She says for the longest time, the university was known for having the lowest tuition fees in all of Canada but that’s no longer the case. Quao says Memorial has broken its promise to students. “They said we would get an affordable education but $2000 and $600 a course is not affordable for anyone. “ she says. Quao says students are taking less courses and are not doing well in school since they have to take on more jobs to handle the hikes. She says the rally came with a few requests by students. “We want grants not loans, fairness for International students, accessible tuition, and eventually, free post secondary education,” she says. “We also want them to honour rights of Indigenous learners.” Quao says they’re hoping to meet with the Minister of Education and university administration soon.