As the federal government introduces its plan to help out post-secondary students in Parliament, Southeast College is getting ahead of the situation with the introduction of a new plan to help students. It has announced the details of its new Critical Needs Bursary, which is designed for current post-secondary students at the school.

Sheena Onrait, the manager of marketing and communications at the school, said the bursary has a simple purpose: “To provide for our post-secondary students that might be struggling to meet some of their basic needs during this time when, you know, maybe they were a student and still are a student but maybe don’t have a job yet.”

The bursary is being made available thanks to help from the Government of Saskatchewan.

Onrait stated the application forms for the bursary are available on the Southeast College website. The form can be downloaded, filled out, and sent back in.

“What we’re experiencing right now is unprecedented for not only our students but our entire province and country,” said Kassandra Lawrenz, the manager of college advancement. “So many people are struggling right now, and students are no exception. The critical needs bursaries will be a tremendous help to those who have been most drastically affected.”

The federal government is expected to introduce a $9 billion aid package in the House of Commons Wednesday for post-secondary students. It is expected some changes will be made to the legislation, as the Conservatives have stated they want it modified so young people will take available jobs, rather than staying home and collecting emergency aid.