Ontario's opposition parties say students' futures are at risk as they're being scapegoated for the OSAP mess the government created,
The Ontario government said OSAP became unsustainable and changed the grant-loan ratios, forcing students to take on more debt to fund their education.
Ontario Liberal MPP Tyler Watt told Humber Et Cetera that students were never the problem, pushing back against Premier Doug Ford’s previous suggestions that students were wasting grants on “fancy watches and cologne” and taking “basket weaving courses.”
Watt, the party’s Critic for Training, Colleges and Universities, and NDP Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities Peggy Sattler argue the real problem was the government’s failure to stop millions of dollars in OSAP funding from going to private career colleges. There are now investigations into alleged fraudulent activity, which have not been proven in court
“They were enrolled, and then this government totally abandoned them seven weeks into their program,” Watt said, describing students whose funding was cut off after they had already started school.
Some were relying on that money to pay bills and put groceries on the table. Watt said some are even facing homelessness now.
“It’s really unfortunate and frankly cruel because the cost of living is out of control,” he said. “Life is tough. It’s never been harder for young people.”
During a phone interview, Sattler said the changes transformed OSAP from a program largely built on grants into one that forces students to take on significant debt just to attend college or university.
“We are saddling graduates of our colleges and universities with a significant debt burden at a time when unemployment is at record numbers,” she said, pointing to uncertainty about finding entry-level employment.
Both parties want the previous funding structure of 85 per cent grants and 15 per cent loans restored, along with the removal of interest on provincial student loans. It was changed by the Ford government to 25 per cent grants and 75 per cent loans.
The Liberals are also suggesting bringing back free tuition for low-income students and extending the period before loan repayments begin from six months to two years. The NDP says students in financial need should receive grants rather than be forced to borrow.
“We do not believe that students should be taking on debt,” Sattler said. “The government should certainly not be making money off of that debt by charging interest.”
The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is also calling for grants instead of loans. The changes intensify barriers for low-income, disabled and racialized students, Chairperson Cyrielle Ngeleka said in an emailed statement.
“Students should not have to choose between pursuing an education and maintaining their financial security,” she said.
The federation said Nov. 5 walkouts brought students together on more than 20 campuses across Ontario, demanding more grants and an end to tuition hikes.
Watt, who drove from Kingston to Queen’s Park to protest OSAP cuts as a nursing student, said he was inspired to see students demonstrating again.
“Your voice is important. Your future is worth fighting for,” he said.
For students questioning whether they can afford to continue their education, both opposition parties say the fight to restore OSAP is far from over.
