The province is hoping to lessen the burden on post-secondary students by suspending repayment of Manitoba Student Aid loans for six months.

"During these uncertain times, Manitobans need to pull together to help each other," Premier Brian Pallister explains. "While people, businesses and organizations across our province co-operate to try to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and reduce its spread, it’s important that our government also do its part to assist those carrying a heavier financial burden during this public health emergency. With this suspension of loan repayments, we are giving a helping hand to Manitobans who have invested in post-secondary education."

Effective April 1, the Department of Economic Development and Training has suspended all repayments of loans under the Manitoba Student Aid Program through Sept. 30. The temporary stoppage of repayments parallels a similar suspension put in place by the federal government under the Canada Student Loan Program, also through Sept. 30.

"Manitobans carrying student loan debt have become vulnerable to programming and labour market changes resulting from COVID-19," Training Minister Ralph Eichler says. "This deferral of loan repayments is going to significantly lessen the hardship for them, at a time when they really need it."

Manitoba Economic Development and Training had been scheduled to receive a total of about $1 million in repayments on April 1 from Manitoba Student Aid borrowers. The suspension of repayments from April 1 through Sept. 30 will defer the collection of up to $7 million for 2020-21.

Manitoba Student Aid loan disbursements, including tuition and grant payments, will continue to be made to students as scheduled while repayments are suspended. During the deferral period, the program will accept payments from borrowers who choose to repay loans through cheque or electronic fund transfers.