This website is a testimony to the problems Canadian Student Loan borrowers experienced from approximately 1996 to 2008 and until their loans were paid off.

The privatization of the Student Loans system by the Chretien and Martin Liberal governments broke the system and defaulted thousands of borrowers who were trying to pay their loans. There were even stories of suicide due to the harassment of borrowers.

Read the report that I prepared back in 2007 here. Canada Student Loans-The Need for Change Fortunately the new Conservative government at the time revamped the program and fixed the system for new borrowers, but borrowers under the previous program were left with ruined credit and continued harassment from debt collectors.

I call on the Canadian Government to apologize to the borrowers affected by this fiasco and make amends.

Unfortunately the Liberal government is again clobbering the Education system with their changes to International Student Visas. Yes, there's a problem, but instead of a well thought out plan, they have pulled the emergency brake on the train causing a derailment. This has introduced unprecedented instability for both private and public education institutions who serve both international and local students.

Universities have been forced to cancel programs and layoff hundreds if not thousands of full-time and contract instructors.

Again, the Liberal government has messed up the education environment.


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joatec View Drop Down
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    Posted: 13/November/2004 at 10:06am
**Emailed to the government.

Hi there.
Hope your having a good day.

I am a proud Canadian but is losing trust in education and support very quickly and I have my reasons for it.  I moved this country when I was 8 for a fresh start with my family after my father died of complications in England.  I had always dreamed of going to University and getting my degree to secure my future in a good paying job and start a family, you could even say the Canadian dream.  With the technology craze going in the late 90's I saw it as a sure fire endeavour to get a degree that would encompass all of the attributes of Business and Technology.  I opted to go to a school that would get in and out in under 3 years with a degree.  Well this is now almost 6 years later and I have the debt for the degree, however I don't have the degree or anything to show that I went to school.

At the age of 24 I finally decieded to take the plunge and go to the school that fit my needs.  I started the course and worked hard to get my place on the honor role, creating student council and organising events for the students on top of all of the school work that goes along with going to a dynamic school.  Unforturnatley, at the time I was then diagnosed with Bi-Polar and I had to interruput my studies and cut my chances at completing what I had planned for the school envirionment short to take time to take care of myself.  Well at least that is what I thought was going on.  After trying to get some support for my condition that I couldn't find anyways, I went back to school for a couple of semesters after a break of about 6 months.  Eveything was going fine until I lost the house that I was renting with some friends to horrific fire.  Not only did I lose my recidence but I also lost 4 friends in the  tragedy. 

At this point in time I had to make a decision, either honor my friends and go to the funeral or continue on with my education.  Well I had to face facts, I would not be able to concentrate on anything if I where to stay in school and not attend the 4 funerals that I wanted to go to.  In retrospect I should have been selfish, even though that was not an option.  When I got back to the school I found out that I would not be able to attend school until the next semester, in about 10 weeks.  Which was fine, however the catch was since I had interrupted my studies once before I would have to go before a commity to decide if I would be able to go back to my regular schedule.  At the time of the decision I had no doubt that I wouldn't be let back in.  To my surprise I was not allowed to come back in.

I was told that due to my metal condtion and personal problems I was not going to be able to continue with my studies.  That was the last time that I attended the school and am still trying to pay for it now.  I find that I was discriminated against, lied to, and played to be a fool now and then.  You see I am still paying for the education that is useless to me, without that piece of paper I can't get anywhere upwards and have to settle for the same jobs that I was working at when I was 13.  My diesease has progressed due to the stress of paying for something that I did not recieve, and not allowed to recieve.  I am now so close to the streets than before and had never thought of myself being in this situation.  I can't believe that the Post Secondary school that attended has done this, but also the govenment for turning a shoulder and not seeing anything that I am the one to be left in a debt that I can't handle and a stress that is getting worse.  I am now unable to work which puts me in a very diffucult situation because with paying for the education that I did not recieve I have had to rely on credit cards, hoping for something good to happen.  Well it hasn't happened and I have tried to break the surface but only to fail and fall to the bottom again. 

I can't believe that my talents are being wasted on writing something like this rather than helping someone else.  I find it a sick and disgusting situation and would not wish it on my worst enemy even it I got paid to do so.  I really don't know how you can help now, I am so far gone that I don't know what to do anymore, all I can do is hope that you care enough to read this horror story that is meant to be a success story.

Thanks for your time, hope you enjoy your dream jobs.  If you would like any other information on my story I am more than will to let you know about more discriminatory situations against Mental Illness and for students that think they have rights.

Nick R. Hatton
647-221-3772
RESPOND TO:  nickhatton@email.com, joatec@rescueteam.com
16 Chapel Street
Georgetown, ON.
L7G 2L9
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Islander View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Islander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13/November/2004 at 2:22pm

Havee you not applied for and received a disability waiver?

Look around for threads referring to remedies for those with disabilities.

Yours is indeed a tragic story, but the tragedy is not one of bad luck or cosmic misfortune. It is one of human brutality and indifference, Stay with us and we might be able to offer some ideas.

What? Me, worry?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote joatec Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14/November/2004 at 6:44pm
Thanks for the support.  Well to be honest with you I have been rather nervous about sharing my story because it is such a barrel of worms waiting to be spread over coal.  But I do want to face what I have to do but don't really know where to start and hoping that someone in the forum may have some ideas as I don't think that people should be treated the way I have been when trying to get an education.   I have not released the name of the school I attended for the reason I have respect for what they do, but I really don't think that they would want me to release the full story using there name.  I would say it could be detremental to their future sign ups, maybe. 

I am doing what I can to pay it off, because I understand that I did attend those classes but did not get the promises that where made to me.  However, I really don't know where to start with dealling with this situation but I do feel very ripped off by the government and education each time I hear or pay a payment to either one of my loans.

Thanks for the support.
Nick
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/November/2004 at 1:52am

nick

try loking at the post "template for loan forgiveness" under disability claims help.  it might be a good place for you to start.

i can't belive the school would not allow you a second chance after your personal tragedy.  i had two family members pass within a two week period (and a few other problems with a failed relationship on top of it) and the stress rendered me bedridden for a few weeks.  i had no advisory panel to deal with - rather i approached my teachers individually and worked out deals allowing me to catch up on what i missed.  the teachers themselves went to the dean on my behalf and he had no choice but to agree to defer posting my marks until the teachers gave him my marks.

to discriminate against you part way through your program is like kicking a dog when he's already down.  the decision of the school was unjust and unconscionable.  by acting in this manner they arbitrarily have ruined your future, denying you the education it is your supposed right to obtain.  in retrospect you could go to them and demand that they should refund your tuitiion fees since they are barring you from completing a program you are willing to pay for.

i would definately pursue this gross injustice as far up the food chain and as publically as possible.  while you respect the school, the members of the advisory panel showed you little respect in pulling the rug out from under you.  perhaps go to the school with the threat of making the situation public and see if they would be willing to work something out - perhaps allow you to finish your program or at the very least offer an apology for their actions.

sorry, stories like this really make my blood boil.  yet another example of how the system fails those who need it most.

we are here to offer our support and ideas.  please keep us posted.

professionals built the titanic but amateurs built the ark...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote joatec Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 8:17am
Does there happen to be a *.doc format of the forgivness form available?

Thanks for your comments, not to sure where to start with going up the public ladder though.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 10:16am

nick...check your email

if anyone else needs the forms in a different format, post here with your email addy and ill send it to you....

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CARGO1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 10:18am

momof2,

your effort to assist are endless and greatly appreciated,

you are truley and angel,

cargo

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 10:59am

thank you troy for your kind words

i don't deserve them, though.  others, like yourself and bigfathera and poly and johnny and mark and megapo and ferren and java and others have done more than i, offering sound advice and assistance.  i am just an internet junkie, crawling the web when i can't sleep, trying to find answers. 

i am so grateful to mark and that this site exists so we can try and find the answers we need, and help others along the way.  hard to believe a few months ago i was clueless about how this all worked and now i almost feel like i know what i'm doing ( well, some of the time, anyway)

i only hope that others can get out of the hell that is student loans, and will help in any way i can.  i wish there was some way to get to the high school students BEFORE they embark on the wild ride that is college or university and warn them of the pitfalls of student loans.  mark, any ideas on this one ???

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CARGO1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 11:29am

advice is nice and goes a long way,

but an internet MOM who goes the extra mile everytime without being asked is the BEST... .

thanks again

troy

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Originally posted by momof2 momof2 wrote:

thank you troy for your kind words

i don't deserve them, though.  others, like yourself and bigfathera and poly and johnny and mark and megapo and ferren and java and others have done more than i, offering sound advice and assistance.  i am just an internet junkie, crawling the web when i can't sleep, trying to find answers. 

i am so grateful to mark and that this site exists so we can try and find the answers we need, and help others along the way.  hard to believe a few months ago i was clueless about how this all worked and now i almost feel like i know what i'm doing ( well, some of the time, anyway)

i only hope that others can get out of the hell that is student loans, and will help in any way i can.  i wish there was some way to get to the high school students BEFORE they embark on the wild ride that is college or university and warn them of the pitfalls of student loans.  mark, any ideas on this one ???

First of all, mom...don't sell yourself short. You have a big heart and a lot to offer...And we ALL started out as internet junkies looking for answers...as I still do! Somehow, despite being thousands of miles away and having my life somewhat sorted out, I still lurk here daily...I think to see a big announcement that this website has been shut down due to all our problems being solved!!

And thank you for your kind words...I'm not up on the legal details...but if anyone can benefit from my experience and avoid the crap I couldn't...It just gives me the creeps knowing that it's my son's peers going through the garbage now...

BTW...you see my signature at the bottom? I actually SAW the Zombies last Friday...with Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, the original singer and keyboard player...beautiful show...and very symbolic I think...Just reminds me how far I've come thanks to people like you...and Johnny...and Mark...This IS my year!!

Poly

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Islander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 2:17pm

Mom, nobody on this site has given as much help to as many people for no charge as you have.

We all thank you.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BigFatherA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 3:15pm
I fourth(?) that motion.  We might be an unexpected community here, but a community we are.  Our common link: we tried to better ourselves with a post secondary education, and have run afoul of the "powers that be".  We are here to help eachother, and sometimes MOM KNOWS BEST! 
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Momof2, you are doing a TERRIFIC job of helping out all who ask. Your support and advice is welcome by perhaps many more than you know. Thank you very much for your presence!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 3:51pm

ok you guys stop before you make me turn crimson.  i''m not used to all this attention.  for the record, i don't know jack compared to johnny, but i'm still learning, and will keep trying to find the answers.  i feel like mulder on the xfiles - the truth is out there...and we are not alone....

to all and thanks for making me feel, well, loved, appreciated and part of the family.  as for going the extra mile, well, that is what moms do, without blinking an eye, and without a second thought. 

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SolveStudentDebt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 4:36pm

 

 Islander,

 Sometimes, you make me laugh my guts out.. and sometimes you are that one person on this planet that makes say .... hmmmmm.  

 

  

Solve Student Debt specializes in solutions for students and graduates in student loan default, and those at risk of defaulting.

solvestudentdebt.com
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Hmmmmmmmmmmm?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote momof2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 5:19pm

joatec

i know in the states a medical certicifate stating you are bipolar will get your loans forgiven so please please pursue this.  speak to your doctor about it - they are familiar with medical forms for loan forgiveness and disability claims etc.

as for where to start, try the ontario association for communtiy living - www.communitylivingontario.ca - they deal with many different types of situations and different disabilities on a daily basis, and can often recommend an advocate or a course of action for you to follow.  also, they may know who to talk to to get things rolling in your situation.

good luck and watch your email - i'm still digging

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hunter2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16/November/2004 at 6:29pm
joatec

One of my near and dear friends killed themeselves and being very traumatized by what happened ( it was right after an argument we had and so I felt devastated and also responsible) I had The professors that semester let me bump all of my finals back almost 2 months and they did so gladly. It is perhaps to late but sometimes talking to the profs rather than trying to get through the admin red tape helps? Also you may want to see about post traumatic stress/depression/grief counselling as reasons for forgiveness and/or perhaps retaking the classes? I have a feeling though you may be better off pleading your case to the university first rather than sl. I wish you the best :)


momof2
YOu do a terrific job of helping out and I appreciate all the kind words you have given me! Don't sell yourself short!!!
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Is it group hug time?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote administrator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17/November/2004 at 6:18am
The template is now posted as an "announcement" in the disabilities help forum
Thanks Momof2 for this info....

Mark

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