Students in various parts of Ontario are expressing their objection to recent adjustments made to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The alterations will transition the majority of the post-secondary financial aid system from grants to loans in the upcoming academic year.
Protests were held outside Queen’s Park in Toronto and in Waterloo and Ottawa, with hundreds of students participating in each location. High school students in Oshawa also staged a walkout earlier in the week. In St. Catharines, over 200 individuals, including high school and university students, protested outside Brock University alongside NDP MPP Jennie Stevens.
Demonstrators in Toronto called for the resignation of Premier Doug Ford and Colleges and University Minister Nolan Quinn, emphasizing their opposition to the changes in post-secondary education. The protesters demanded no cuts, no fees, and no corporate influence in universities. Representatives from the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario (CFS-Ontario) voiced their concerns, highlighting the financial strain on students facing escalating living expenses.
The new funding model announced by Quinn involves a $6.4-billion investment over four years, leading to the end of a tuition freeze and the OSAP modifications. Currently, students can receive up to 85% in grants and a minimum of 15% in loans, but under the new structure, grants will be capped at 25% while loans will be increased to 75%.
Students like Naicey Portus from the University of Toronto expressed disappointment and concern over the impact of the OSAP changes on their financial stability. The uncertainty surrounding their educational funding has added stress to their academic responsibilities.
Altercations between students and Toronto police were captured on video during the protest, with arrests made for mischief and assault. Despite the disruptions, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities defended the OSAP adjustments as necessary for the sustainability of the program and aligning with other financial aid systems in the country.
The changes to OSAP have sparked uncertainty among students, with Professor Danny Corral noting that the cuts primarily affect the provincial portion of the program. The federal government contributes up to 60% of OSAP funding, lessening the immediate impact on students but raising concerns about future financial support.
Opposition parties plan to challenge the OSAP changes in the Legislative Assembly, with calls for a reversal of the modifications to ease the financial burden on students and their families. The ongoing protests aim to highlight the detrimental effects of the alterations on students’ access to higher education and financial stability.