Premier Doug Ford announced multiple changes to post-secondary tuition and OSAP funds on January 17. Perhaps the most anticipated change is the 10 per cent tuition cut set to take place in the upcoming academic year.
While some may benefit from Ontario’s tuition cuts, far more students will suffer financially once these changes take effect.
In a press conference in January, Merrilee Fullerton, the MPP for Kanata-Carleton and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, said post-secondary students will save $300 to $1000 per year as a result of Ford’s changes.
However, not all changes being made are beneficial.
In 2016, former Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government announced students in families earning less than $50,000 a year would be eligible for free tuition.
The implementation of the new program in 2017 resulted in the highest number of student applications for financial aid ever seen, according to The Globe and Mail. Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Deb Matthews, said the change led to 50, 000 more students applying for OSAP than the previous year.
Many people took advantage of Wynne’s changes to OSAP as Ontario is known for having the highest tuition fees in all of Canada, according to the Government of Ontario. The province’s tuition price for university is approximately $9,000, while the average college tuition is $3,400.
Although post-secondary students benefited from Wynne’s changes, in a 2018 report, Ontario’s auditor general, Bonnie Lysyk, said free tuition and OSAP funding became financially unsustainable.
As a result, Ford’s government has moved to reverse Wynne’s changes as a means of trimming their multi-billion-dollar deficit.
At a recent press conference, Fullerton said the government is restoring OSAP back to its intended purpose by supporting students and families in the “greatest financial need.” Fullerton also stressed that Ontario’s government cares “very much” about making education both affordable and accessible and, through these changes, they’re “putting students first.”
But – are they really? Yes, the government is reducing tuition costs but it is also getting rid of free tuition for low-income students and significantly reducing the distribution of grants.
This doesn’t exactly sound like the Ontario government has their students’ best interests in mind.
The changes made in the OSAP structure clearly benefit high-income students, making it more difficult for low-income students to attend school.
The 10 per cent cut in tuition does not make up for the burden that will be put on the families who won't be able to afford the debt brought on by cutbacks.
In order to compensate for taking away free tuition, Fullerton said OSAP will be distributing grants to families earning less than $50,000 a year.
In doing so, the government is neglecting other students who rely on grants to make ends meet. Whether that’s mature students with children or independent students with family issues, not everyone can rely on their income to cover tuition costs.
Those relying on loans will need to worry about additional fees as well. Even though OSAP’s six-month grace period is still intact, Fullerton said interest will start accumulating within that timeframe. This change puts pressure on students to find a source of income as soon as possible.
However, students aren’t the only ones affected by the government’s changes.
On a recent Riot Radio show, Durham College President Don Lovisa was interviewed by the Chronicle’s Jackie Graves about the repercussions of Ford’s cuts. Lovisa said Durham College is looking at a loss of about $4 million.
Lovisa expects there may be an increase in student dropouts as of next year, as Ford’s changes will make attending school more expensive.
Schools are already looking to save as much money as possible to reduce the impact these cuts will have on their students. This could potentially lead to program cuts as a means of balancing school budgets.
These changes will inevitably impact students and their access to education.
Careers are preceded by having built up knowledge and experience at the post-secondary level.
Taking away free education for low-income students has the potential to take away opportunities for them to be successful in the future.
Although it is understandable for the government to be worried about financial issues regarding OSAP funding, it would be worthwhile to invest in those who need it so an opportunity can be created for all students to reach their full potential.
With files from Piri Sinnathurai
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