It’s not often that the full Senate sits on a Monday — usually it’s just committees that meet — but here they were, looking to get through the number of bills that the Commons sent down before they rose for the summer. Once senators’ statements (Magna Carta, praise for Senate Protective Services, World Refugee Day) and Routine Proceedings were though, it began. Senator Munson led off, bringing forward a question from a Canadian from Barrie, who asked about the rising costs of tuition — acknowledging the provincial role but also the role the federal government plays in things like student loans and grants. Senator Carignan, answering for the government, listed off the measures that the government has adopted, including tax measures, loans and grants, and the other supports they have given to students in the current budget. Munson thanked him for the answer, but wanted some more answers on the rising tuition and compulsory fees. Carignan noted the provincial jurisdiction, and the increased health and social transfers to the provinces. Senator Moore rose on a supplemental, asking if it was possible to get a breakdown for the social transfers to know how much was going to education. Carignan directed him to the website, but Moore, disputed that the information was available. Carignan this time implored them to support the budget. Moore rose again, asking about forgiving student loan interest, or free tuition for students like they do in some countries like Ireland. Carignan noted it was a significant sum of money available in the budget after referring the substance of Moore’s question to the provinces.
@Will__Murray *shakes fist* *blanket outrage* *rhetorical question*
— Dale Smith (@journo_dale) June 22, 2015