The Ford government just announced a restructured Ontario Student Assistance Program. Before, students could request a maximum of 85% in grants (money you didn’t need to pay back that could go to paying your tuition) and a minimum of 15% on loans. Now, the Ford Government placed a cap on grants at 25% and put a minimum of 75% on loans.  This shift forces students to rely heavily on loans and significantly increase their debt well after graduation.

For example, if you’re eligible for a a maximum OSAP grant and pay $10,000 for tuition, you could get up to $8,500 in grants. But with this new change, you can only qualify for up to $2,500 in grants.

• To immediately reverse the recent changes to the OSAP program and commit to making education in Ontario accessible to all, regardless of their financial class.
• Push the government to eliminate interest on student loans as other provinces have done ie. Manitoba, BC, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, PEI etc.
• Extend the grace period for loan repayment to be extended beyond six months, in recognition of Ontario's high youth unemployment rate.
• To increase funding for post-secondary institutions so that the cost of running these schools does not fall on the shoulders of students who are already struggling.

Student unions across the country are working together to coordinate actions. The protest date is yet to be determined but will be between the 23rd of March to the 27th (when the provincial Parliament is back in session).  

FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW IF YOU WANT TO ENDORSE THE PROTEST!

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