Calgary teen gives up on McGill dream after Quebec doubles tuition for some university students

A Calgary teenager who had high hopes of studying at McGill University is now looking elsewhere after Quebec said it would force out-of-province students to pay a $17,000 tuition.

Daniel Miksha left his home in Calgary to study at McGill University three years ago and it was a decision he doesn't regret.

"I think having a French background, living in a French city, really gives a lot of cultural richness to your life. That's something I genuinely enjoy, and the quality of education you can receive here as well is exceptional," says the 21-year-old neuroscience student.

Daniel's younger sister, Helen, is currently finishing Grade 12 at Henry Wise Wood High School in Calgary. She says her marks are high enough to make it past McGill's strict admission rules but her dream of joining her brother in Quebec was shattered by news that her tuition fees would double to $17,000.

Last week, the Quebec government announced a new rule that would force Canadian out-of-province students, who used to pay $9,000 a year, to pay nearly double that.

The government said the measure is meant to offset the influx of English speakers in Montreal while boosting funding for French universities.

"It shouldn't matter whether you're anglophone or francophone. If there's a high-quality school with a high-quality education, you should be able to go there regardless of how thick your pockets are," Daniel said.