This paper examines the pattern of decision-making, lobbying, and influence that led to the landmark series of federal student assistance policies introduced by Jean Chretien's Liberal government in the late 1990s. The package of new initiatives--dubbed the Canada Opportunities Strategy--not only partially reversed an earlier period of fiscal…

Asserting that liberal education is at risk in Canadian universities, attempts to explain why such policy shifts are occurring; points to the continuing cultural, social, and intellectual value of liberal education; and, drawing from recent census data, demonstrates that liberal education produces generally positive economic benefits to the…

The relationship between the history of the student and contemporary student life is explored, and enduring patterns are identified in three areas: the social origins of students; student culture and activism; and the perceived academic quality of students. It is concluded that students should be heard and taken more seriously. (MSE)