Earlier today, we received new information from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC) regarding an upcoming town hall discussion in Richmond, hosted by MP Garnett Genuis, Shadow Minister for Employment. This meeting will address a proposal in the 2025 federal budget that would limit access to Canada Student Grants to students attending public institutions or not-for-profit private institutions. If implemented, this change would remove grant eligibility for students enrolled in private career colleges—including all Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture programs in BC.
Urgent: Town Hall Announced on Federal Student Grant Access for TCM Students
The ATCMA is sharing an important update that may significantly impact TCM students, schools, and the future of our profession in British Columbia.
Earlier today, we received new information from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC) regarding an upcoming town hall discussion in Richmond, hosted by MP Garnett Genuis, Shadow Minister for Employment. This meeting will address a proposal in the 2025 federal budget that would limit access to Canada Student Grants to students attending public institutions or not-for-profit private institutions. If implemented, this change would remove grant eligibility for students enrolled in private career colleges—including all Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture programs in BC.
Because TCM education in Canada is offered almost entirely through private post-secondary institutions, the proposed change would disproportionately affect our students and future practitioners. This could worsen labour shortages, decrease access to vital services, and create additional barriers for individuals seeking to enter the profession.
Town Hall Meeting Details
MP Genuis has organized a town hall to hear from affected communities and discuss next steps.
We encourage schools, instructors, and students to attend and make their voices heard.
Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/L29GKjXtDVmQmiea8
Related Petition:
https://www.conservative.ca/cpc/fair-access-to-student-grants-for-all-canadian-students/
We acknowledge that this invitation comes on very short notice, but attending this event is an important opportunity to advocate for equitable treatment of TCM students and ensure decision-makers understand the impact of the proposed changes.
Background: Why This Matters
Concerns have been raised about the federal government’s intention to restrict eligibility for student grants. The budget details may be found here: https://budget.canada.ca/2025/report-rapport/chap5-en.html . Scroll down to the section, "Improving the Integrity of Student Financial Assistance," just before section 5.2.
The proposal could:
Discriminate against students who pursue training outside the public university system
Exacerbate labour shortages in key health and wellness professions
Reduce access to care for Canadians relying on acupuncture and TCM services
MP Genuis has already raised the issue in Parliament.
How You Can Support
Attend the town hall (register first) and encourage your colleagues or students to join
Sign and share the petition within your networks
Stay informed as ATCMA and CMAAC continue advocacy efforts on this issue
We will continue working to protect fair and accessible pathways for TCM education and to ensure that federal policies support—not hinder—the growth of our profession.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement during this critical time for the TCM community.
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