QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
May 28, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, regarding Budget 2024, the Canada Student Loan forgiveness program has been expanded to include dentists, physiotherapists and psychologists, a move that should be commended. I wonder, however, why the government stopped there. Why did the government not include medical professionals such as optometrists, chiropractors and occupational therapists, for instance?
Thank you for your question.
We all know that those Canadians who work in the health care sector are indispensable to the well-being of all Canadians and the well-being and resilience of our communities. It is critical that individuals have access to the care and support they need to thrive, whether that is dental care, mental health care or other health care. As Canada grows and our population ages, ensuring a healthy population means ensuring there are enough health care professionals in all parts of this country. That is why the government expanded eligibility for the Canada Student Loan forgiveness program to the professions you listed.
Having met with a group earlier today who were not included, I understand the government did engage in comprehensive consultations on this matter. I will certainly raise it with the minister.
The matter, of course, as senators should know, is currently being studied in the other place as part of the budget implementation act.
I heard the end of your comment about speaking with and carrying on this conversation, and this is my question: Would there be consideration given to expanded eligibility to other professions in the future?
Thank you for the question.
I’m not aware of any plans to expand eligibility to other medical professions at this time.
