Premier Doug Ford of Ontario has been inundated with thousands of calls from apprehensive students following the announcement of significant changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The provincial government revealed that the structure of OSAP will be adjusted to favor loans over grants, reducing the proportion of grants from the current 85 percent to a mere 25 percent.
In response to the backlash, Ford stated, “I’ll continue supporting and fighting for students even though they’re probably upset right now.” He acknowledged hearing various “nightmare stories” about students misusing financial aid for unnecessary luxuries, which he argued does not resonate well with taxpayers. The premier maintained that the existing OSAP model was unsustainable and claimed that increased loans would promote a sense of accountability among students.
Ford expressed his views on education paths, suggesting that students should pursue careers in healthcare and trades rather than “basket-weaving courses,” which he implied may not lead to adequate job opportunities. However, healthcare representatives have voiced concerns that the changes to OSAP could dissuade students from entering essential fields like nursing and medicine. Currently, the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) highlights a critical shortage of around 25,000 nurses in the province, emphasizing that the new cap on OSAP grants could impede the future nursing workforce.
Erin Ariss, the President of ONA, emphasized that nursing students face a demanding educational workload, leaving little to no opportunity for part-time or full-time employment. Many nursing students are financially strained and depend heavily on OSAP, which the proposed changes threaten to undermine.
The Ontario legislature is on a five-week break, during which the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) is drawing attention to the ongoing crisis in Ontario's healthcare system. NDP leader Marit Stiles criticized the government, stating, “There was a time that this government said it was going to end hallway healthcare. Now, hallway healthcare is the norm.” The situation in hospitals has reportedly deteriorated, with patients being treated in hallways and broom closets, as echoed by Erin Ariss.
In response to questions about the alleged increase in hallway medicine, Premier Ford urged those raising the issue to verify their facts. He asserted, “There’s no one that’s invested more into healthcare than we have… we’re pouring money into the health care system.” Ford also pointed out that there are several existing provincial programs designed to support healthcare students in financial need.
Additionally, he stated that he faced substantial pressure to raise tuition fees, which will increase by two percent starting this fall. This tuition hike adds another layer of concern for students grappling with the financial implications of the restructured OSAP program.
