What a Remembrance Day-esque PR move. McMaster University announced today that students whose parents have been killed while serving in the military will receive four years of free tuition. In addition, the school has promised to provide residence accommodation and a meal plan for one year to students who are under 26 years old. All of this falls under the Project Hero program started earlier this year by retired general Rick Hillier, the former chief of defence staff, and honorary Lt.-Col. Kevin Reed.
McMaster joins the likes of Memorial University in Newfoundland, the University of Ottawa, the University of Windsor and the University of Calgary.
Potential students will have to identify themselves as a son or daughter of a Canadian soldier killed on active duty. Eligibility for the program will be verified with the Department of Defence.
I think the program is a fantastic addition to the Canadian education system. However, at the same time, what sets the Canadian military apart from anyone else whose had to lose a parent? Why does the patriotic move of serving the country grant one free tuition? Does a car crash, cancer or other fatal accident not leave a child in the same situation? I'd like to think that one who volunteers for the military understand the risks associated.
The Hero Program will continue to grow here in Canada. The scholarships will be offered until the end of August 2014.
This is a very interesting piece of information. I agree with your insight on asking why only children of military parents should receive this benefit. If anything, lets give free tuition to everybody and anybody who has suffered. Hey, that is pretty much everybody in the entire world. This is an obvious patriotic piece of propaganda that shines light on the institution. I'm not opposed to it, but I am not for it at the same. I just don't think it is fair. How is this democratic? It isn't. It's nationalistic.
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