On March 4, 2026, students gathered at Queen’s Park to voice their discontent over the recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The protests drew hundreds of participants who shared messages of concern regarding their education funding.
Protests Against OSAP Modifications
Chanting slogans such as “hands off our education” and “free education now,” demonstrators expressed their frustration with the Ontario government. Many were particularly critical of the decision made by the Ford administration to lift a seven-year tuition freeze, which they believe will exacerbate the financial burdens on students.
Key Changes to OSAP
The provincial government announced changes that significantly alter the funding structure for student assistance. The key alterations include:
- Boosting funding to post-secondary institutions by billions of dollars.
- Lifting the tuition freeze, allowing for potential increases in tuition fees.
- Reducing the proportion of student assistance provided as grants from 85% to 25%.
- Transitioning the remaining 75% of financial aid into loans.
Critics argue that these changes will create additional challenges for students trying to finance their education. Many believe that the shift from grants to loans will lead to increased debt burdens for students across Ontario.
Additional Protests in the Region
In York Region, students are also planning to stage a walkout in response to the OSAP cuts. Earlier, students in Durham Region conducted a walkout as well, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among the student community regarding the government’s educational funding policies.
The Central Student Association, which participated in the protest, emphasized that these changes could jeopardize the future of education in Ontario. The sentiment shared among protesters reflects a significant concern for accessibility and affordability in post-secondary education.
