Postsecondary student unions in Ontario are protesting two aspects of the Government of Ontario’s recently announced funding model: the removal of the tuition freeze and the decision to reduce the maximum proportion of OSAP grants from 85% to 25%. While members of the system noted that the changes to the ON funding system were necessary for the foundation of the system, students and student advocacy groups said that the tuition and OSAP changes could affect affordability, increase student debt, and discourage students from going to higher ed. “We are definitely concerned about people’s ability to attend university and afford university,” said OUSA VP of Finance Omar Sayyed. Student leaders called on the government to reassess the changes or implement new supports.
