It’s easy to understand educated people may be more skilled, enabling them to be more productive than the less-educated population. They tend to make more money, pay more in taxes, commit fewer crimes and require less public assistance.
They naturally have more to invest. All of society benefits from the resulting production of goods and services. So we see more education leads to more wealth developed for investment, which creates more capital. It is an endless cycle of positive benefits.
Canada still has huge funding gaps among students of different race and incomes, and many students are stuck without quality teachers. Every child has the right to quality education, but parents are left more and more to fundraise in order to afford school programs and supplies.
An increasing number of students are opting out of university because they can’t afford it. Tuition fees have been rising in staggering rates while jobs are being cut massively. A year ago, the Harper government planned to allocate $16 billion for 65 fighter jets. Couldn’t they spare some for education?
There is no question that investing in education improves the economy significantly. Education is good for the person and good for society.
Strangely, during the current election campaign, parties haven’t been addressing education much, other than the issue of full-day kindergarten.
That’s why it’s up to you to raise your voice and start the discussion about education. If politicians aren’t discussing the issue, maybe it’s because we’re not making enough noise. Ask the critical questions. Make sure you know who you’re voting for on Oct. 6.