North Island – Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has written a letter of support for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program, offering post-secondary tuition support for Canadians.

In her letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Blaney urged the Government of Canada to renew its commitment to the program with a one-time investment of $20 million.

Blaney says the scholarship program is well-managed, but it faces tremendous pressures and increasing demand.

Her letter noted that while the national average tuition for post-secondary students in Canada has increased by over 820% since 1982, the award, which was intended to cover more than tuition, has only grown by 233%. It has not received additional government support in 18 years.

Established through two agreements with the Government of Canada in 1982 and 2006, the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is granted annually to students who have voluntarily completed humanitarian service and overcome adversity.