OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is calling for universal access to post-secondary education by making college and university tuition free. At a time when students are facing record levels of debt and the job market is rapidly evolving, the Greens are proposing bold action to support young Canadians and strengthen the future of the country.
“Graduating without crushing debt gives young people a real chance to start their lives—whether that’s starting a family, launching a business, or giving back to their communities,” said Jonathan Pedneault, co-leader of the Green Party. “We need to stop treating education like a product and start treating it like the public good it is. It’s time to end the merchandising of education.”
The Green Party believes that free tuition is not only a moral imperative but an economic one. With the economy undergoing constant transformation due to technological change, the need for accessible, ongoing education is more urgent than ever. Free tuition would open doors for lifelong learning, retraining, and upskilling—especially critical in an era of automation and climate adaptation.
Currently, the federal government wastes billions of dollars chasing down student debts—many of which are eventually written off or canceled. Instead of throwing good money after bad, Canada could invest those funds in building a system that empowers students from the start. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Denmark already offer tuition-free post-secondary education and reap the benefits of highly educated, innovative populations. If they can do it, so can Canada.
Elizabeth May, co-leader of the Green Party, added: “Our vision is for a Canada where every person, regardless of income, has the opportunity to pursue their education and thrive. We need well-rounded, versatile graduates who can adapt to change and contribute meaningfully to society. Free tuition is an investment in our future—economically, socially, and democratically.”
The Greens emphasize that a well-educated population is essential to addressing complex challenges like climate change, reconciliation, health care, and democratic renewal. The current model, where access to higher education is determined by financial means, entrenches inequality and limits innovation.
“We cannot continue to saddle our next generation with debt just to get a degree,” Pedneault said. “That’s not just unjust—it’s unwise. A fair and forward-thinking Canada must guarantee access to post-secondary education for all.”
The Green Party’s plan to eliminate tuition fees includes working with provinces to expand funding for public institutions, cancelling student loan interest, and creating new pathways for adult learners to return to school without financial barriers.
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