September 19, 2002
Mr. Dave Cogliati
Director General
HRDC Student Loans Program
Dear Sir,
I have received a fax today from Sue Canadien advising my that I do not qualify for disability relief. I telephoned her and discussed how this decision was made. Your department caused me to waste a considerable amount of energy on this matter by refusing to tell me what the policy is on disability evaluation. Furthermore, your department kept changing its story.
If I knew a few months ago what the policy was I would not have bothered. I could have saved enormous amounts of stress and doctors appointments and trips to various places to get the information your department demanded. In refusing to provide a copy of policies to me, your department has caused me to waste countless hours and caused severe stress.
Finally, trying to come up with some solution, I asked Sue what I should do about my loans. She said she does not know. I brought the problems with your regulations to Jane Stewarts office over a year and a half ago, but despite her assurances that my concerns would be heard, to my knowledge nothing has been done.
Furthermore, I am trying to find out how the Interest Relief Program cut off amounts were determined, however no one at HRDC seems to be aware of how these amounts were determined.
I would suggest that there are serious problems with your rules and regulations, since I have determined that the only way I can obtain any relief is to kill myself. By committing suicide, my loans would be instantly forgiven and the bank would be paid out.
I think this only goes to show that the regulations were written to protect the banks, not the student clients. I am not considering this option, but it points out the serious lack of help available to people like myself.
Obviously my effort with your department was a complete waste of time, except for the benefit you received of having your own regulations explained to you.
Please advise me as to when the regulations will be reviewed and when changed can be expected.
Mark O?Meara
PS: It also frustrates the hell out of me that hundreds of thousands of dollars were sent to Group Action, and the minister of defense hired his ex-girlfriend to write a 15 page report, yet I cant get help with my student loan.
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