By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Association étudiante du Cégep de Sherbrooke (AÉCS) is strongly condemning the Quebec government’s recent decision to end the Perspectives scholarships, a financial aid program that provided up to $20,000 to students pursuing studies in education, health, engineering, and technology. The move, announced abruptly, has sparked concerns over accessibility to higher education and financial stability for students.
“This decision is a direct attack on accessibility,” said Abdoullah Hajji, AÉCS spokesperson. “These bursaries were meant to support students in crucial fields where the province already faces labour shortages. Removing them makes no sense.”
Hajji noted that the government justified the decision as a budgetary measure but argued that it contradicts the province’s long-term workforce planning. “We want to address labour shortages, yet we remove an incentive for students to enter these fields,” he said. “It shows a complete lack of consistency.” He also pointed to broader funding cuts in higher education, noting that some universities have seen budget reductions of 50–70 per cent.
The Perspectives program provided financial relief to students struggling with the rising cost of living. Hajji said that its elimination will increase financial precarity, forcing more students to take on debt or juggle additional work hours, which could impact their academic success. “We are talking about $20,000 per student over their studies—that is a significant amount that helped cover essential costs,” he said. “Even if the bursary had remained, the rising cost of living would still be a challenge. Its removal only worsens the situation.”
The AÉCS is calling on student associations, unions, and the general public to mobilize against the decision. Hajji mentioned that a national petition is already in circulation, urging the government to reconsider. “We are uniting with other associations across Quebec to push back,” he said. “Students deserve support, not additional barriers to success.” The association is also working with student organizations to organize protests and other actions to pressure policymakers.
The elimination of the bursaries follows previous cuts to CEGEP and university funding, further straining the higher education system. “This is part of a broader pattern of austerity measures in education,” Hajji said. “We need investment, not more cutbacks.” He also noted that he personally benefited from the bursary program and understands firsthand the impact its loss will have on students.
The AÉCS is encouraging students to participate in upcoming demonstrations and voice their concerns to elected officials. “Education should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. It is a right, and we will continue to fight for it,” Hajji affirmed.
