What the hell, let's throw a few more tax dollars around

More on Paul Martin's plan to establish two-tier education, one for those who are in "need" and one for everybody else, from today's National Post:

OTTAWA -- Thousands of low-income students would get heavily subsidized or even free university and college educations under a $7-billion plan to be unveiled Thursday by Prime Minister Paul Martin, The Canadian Press has learned.

The plan, aimed at ensuring Canada will be able to compete with emerging economic superpowers like China and India, includes the promise of at least $2.75 billion in new post-secondary tuition assistance.

When coupled with an announcement to spend $3.5 billion to boost training and skills development, along with a $1-billion infusion of cash to help post-secondary institutions build new infrastructure, the blueprint is by far the most expensive item Martin has unveiled so far.

The prime minister will make the announcement at the University of Waterloo, which has been a hotbed of engineering, research and computer science training for years.

Ok, first of all, how do we know that the additional funding is going to shore up R-and-D heavy programs like high-tech and engineering rather than these kinds of programs, (which are of questionable value to the economy and which there are already too many of to begin with)?

Secondly, this pissed-off and profane Tory is a little on the psychotic side, but he makes a good point. How do we know that those receiving the cash are a good investment? What about those who have proven that they can excel in an academic environment rather than just risking taxpayers' dollars on an expanded Ontario Stereo Assistance Program (OSAP) so 20-year olds can drink Heineken and Stella instead of Lakeport Light?

And finally, what's wrong with counting pennies when you're a student? It builds character and teaches you the value of money and an education. I graduated from my Masters' program with almost 30Gs in debt 6 years ago, but it didn't kill me. Sure, I had to live in some less-than-comfortable environments to save on rent and whatever but it made me the Road Hammer I am today. I wouldn't change a thing.

I'd say if Martin wants to compete with China and India he needs to make Canada a profitable place to entrepreneurs to do business. This means increasing border efficiency, creating favourable tax regimes, improving transportation infrastructure, and targetted investments in research and development. Not a blanket social program for those kids who otherwise may have had to borrow a little more to get a degree in psychology, women's studies or art history.