Today, on Canada's 150th anniversary, we take the opportunity to reflect on all things that make this country such an amazing place.
Poutine, hockey, Caesars, the Rocky Mountains, the word “eh” and Tim Horton’s are just a few of the “perks” us Canadians can enjoy. But, there is so much more to why we are called the "True North Strong and Free".
Given my current family situation, I can’t help but be thankful for the aspects that make Canada such an amazing place to have a family. Public health care, year-long maternity leave and the Registered Education Savings Plan all make this country unique when it comes to bringing up our future generations.
Public health care allowed my husband and I to welcome our daughter into the world, without having to worry about the burden of medical bills. The opportunity to take a full 365 days leave from work after my daughter arrived allowed me to focus on building the strong relationship her and I share. And, having the opportunity to invest in my daughter’s future will one day empower her with a quality post-secondary education, without the worry of affording one.
Despite having access to a quality education in Canada, it does come at quite the hefty price tag.
It is estimated that for a child born in 2016 (my daughter, for example), the cost of a 4-year undergraduate degree from a Canadian university in 2034 could cost around $82,000. Factoring in expenses such as books, shelter, food and transportation, that cost will be closer to $148,000!
With university fees in Canada having nearly quadrupled over the last two decades, the high cost of getting a post-secondary education is an enormous financial stress for families.
Luckily, as Canadians, we have options. One of them being a Registered Education Savings Plan, a special savings vehicle for parents who want to save for their child’s education after high school. It's also the only government-registered investing vehicle in Canada specifically for post-secondary education.
While college or university is still many years down the road for Morley, it's important to my husband and I that, when the time comes, she be allowed to focus on her schooling and not how she's going to get out of debt once she graduates.
While college or university is still many years down the road for Morley, it's important to my husband and I that, when the time comes, she be allowed to focus on her schooling and not how she's going to get out of debt once she graduates.
We are so fortunate to live in a country that values education and investing in our future generations, and future leaders.
What makes you proud to be a Canadian? I’d love to hear!
GIVEAWAY: To celebrate Canada150, I’m giving away a $50 gift card for one of three Canadian favourites: Tim Horton’s, Amazon.ca or Hudson’s Bay (winner’s choice). Giveaway open to all 18+ Canadian residents. Giveaway ends 7/8 at 11:59pm. Enter below.
Disclaimer: As a Heritage Ambassador, I received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions and advice shared are 100% my own. Thank you Heritage!
