Canadian households spending 42% more on education

Canadians are spending more on education than ever before, on everything from school supplies to tuition fees.  Spending on education by Canadian households and businesses came in at $12.8 billion in 2003 -- a 42% increase from 1998.  $9.2 billion went to colleges and universities.  43% of Canadian homes had education-related expenses in 2004 -- averaging $2,484 per home.  Public education spending has also increased, by about 11%.  University student debt levels increased 26% between 1995 and 2000.  25% continue to carry a debt 5 years after graduation.