News Releases & Announcements

OTTAWA, June 30, 2009 — The University of Ottawa will waive all undergraduate tuition fees for dependants of Canadian Forces personnel killed while serving in an active military mission; as part of the Project Hero, which helps children of Canadian Forces staff who are killed as a result of an operational mission.

The new policy is being adopted in recognition of the bravery and personnel sacrifice exemplified by Canadian military personnel while serving their country.

“Canadians owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who put their lives at risk for our country,” said Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa. "As Canada’s university, we think the best way of honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is to ensure that their children have free access to education on our campus.”

“The Canadian Forces are made up of Canada’s best and brightest citizens who dare to test their training, bravery, and courage in perilous situations,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “This program at the University of Ottawa recognizes the sacrifices of the Canadian Forces and is an excellent example of how institutions can play a vital role in commemorating the lives of our fallen soldiers.”

The University will waive full tuition for each of four years at the undergraduate level at the University of Ottawa for the children of fallen service personnel. It will also waive on-campus residence fees for the first year of undergraduate studies.

“I am very proud that my alma mater has stepped up to support Project Hero. It is my goal to get broad-based, national support from all Canadian universities, and having the University of Ottawa be the first to adopt this policy is very significant,” stated Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Reed.

This tuition waiver is effective starting September 1, 2009. Criteria for eligible recipients:

· under the age of twenty-six;
· citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
· dependants of a member of the Canadian Forces who died while serving in an active mission; and
· registered as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa in a program of study eligible for funding by the province of Ontario.