Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government is facing mounting opposition to significant changes in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The province is shifting the program's funding model from approximately 85% grants to a maximum of 25% grants, with the remainder as loans, effective this fall.
Government officials state the move is intended to sustain the post-secondary sector and will be accompanied by a two percent annual tuition fee increase. However, critics argue this restructuring places an unsustainable financial burden on students, potentially saddling them with significant debt.
Opposition parties and student advocacy groups have launched a campaign urging the premier to reverse the changes. They contend the overhaul disproportionately impacts students and families, hindering access to higher education and affecting the broader economy. Premier Ford maintains the existing system was unsustainable and that the new model will ensure the most vulnerable students are supported while positioning Ontario "in the middle of the pack" regarding grant percentages.