The Liberals will nail down the first major plank in their election platform Tuesday, a plan aimed at helping students and their families pay tuition fees, CBC has learned.

While Liberal campaign organizers are keeping tight wraps on their announcement, one strategist said the aim of the plan is "if you get the grades, you get to go" to college or university.

Sources tell CBC the Liberal plan includes enhancements to the Registered Education Savings Program (RESP) program in which the government essentially matches part of parents' contributions.

Contrary to published reports, sources say the Liberal plan will not include new publicly-funded bursaries.

Scott Brison, Liberal candidate in Kings-Hants, N.S., said the program will tell Canadians they come first.

"You’re going to see real investments in middle-class Canadian families who are struggling, who are dealing now with record levels of personal debt, $1.50 of debt for every dollar of annual income," Brison said Monday evening on CBC's Power & Politics with Evan Solomon.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, while campaigning Monday in the Chinatown area of Toronto, hinted that his party would unveil a policv proposal on education. Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press "You'll see a real plan to help Canadian families who are struggling to pay for post-secondary education. A real help for Canadian families who recognize the importance of learning, but don't know how they're going to pay for it.

"The corporations that are most profitable can wait for their tax cuts. We’re going to be helping Canadian families who are struggling right now," he said, referring to a Conservative corporate tax cut that took effect in January.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper was the first to unveil policy Monday morning when he announced an income splitting plan for couples with children.

The plan would mean up to $1,300 in savings for some families, but wouldn't kick in until the budget is balanced, which is projected to happen in about four years.