fees for early classes Fy Andrew Bates CUP Western Bureau Chief KELOWNA, B.C. (CUP) — There is surprise and confusion across the Canadian universities today after the new British Columbia government announced that it will no longer charge tuition fees for classes that take place before 12 p.m. "Thé government realizes that it's tough to be a student," said Blaine Patrick, minister for ad- vanced education. "One of the biggest challenges facing students today is waking up before noon to go to a class. We know this, and will acknowledge it by mandating that universities that hold class before noon cannot charge tuition fees for those classes." The mandate will take the form of amendments to the University Act, and is the first item on the legislative agenda for the new administration. The government hasn't yet said whether it will provide financial support for universi- ties who attempt to host early lectures or whether it will suggest that they cancel those classes altogether. "We're not yet ready to tell you what our § plans are to implement this mandate," Patrick told the Canadian University Press, "but we guarantee it will be in place by Sep- tember 2010." Patrick did mention that if there was cost to be incurred by the government, it. could probably be mitigated by finding some way to make businesses pay for it. "We could raise corporate taxes or something. They're rich, right? They can af- | ford it.” Universities are surprised, but taking it largely in stride, according to Sean Mackay, director of public affairs for the University of British Columbia. "At first we had no idea how we would handle it, but the solution is really very:sim- ple," he said. "We'll just move classes to the evening. Eventually, late night classes will be just another annoying thing students have to go through." : Mackay emphasized that although the move is high-profile, it's unlikely to actually reduce tuition fees. "Ultimately, we'll comply with whatever the government decides," he said. "It's just going to cut into their drinking time, anyways.” The most likely to be affected are agri- culture students, according to Mackay. "I mean, they have to farm, right? At least | think they have to. That means they pretty much have to wake up in the morning.” The university isn't sure how funding would continue for the program, but doesn't think its days are numbered. "! wouldn't worry about it. You literally can't get rid of the UBC farm people," he said. "They'll just have to be self- sustaining, which shouldn't be a problem. We: haven't heard from them in three weeks.”- Requests for comment to the Canadian Federation of Students and several stu- dents’ unions were not returned due to staff shortages. Student union staffers and reps have been absent from their posts in order to form the new B.C. government, after the UN-led coup that saw the province become an independent nation in order to uphold commitments to the International Covenant on Economic, Sociat, and Cultural Rights. The new government took power on April 1, Provincial government to direct universities to stop charging tuition |] = _ Prince George Persian band Navaz perform at last winter’s Coldsnap Music Festival. o Walk in with your taxes, walk out with your money. Ask us about Instant Cash Back. An average refund with us is $1000, so book an appointment today. Visit hrblock.ca to find an office near you. Click, call or come over 1-800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) H&R BLOCK’ Get It Right." 22024 documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during 2009 or (ii) a valid high school identification ack and Cash Back products. See office for details. Valid only at participatirig H&R Block locations in Canada. SPC Card offers valid from jada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer y card discounts, Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates participating offices. Some restrictions may apply. © 2010 H&R Block Canada, Inc.