NDP stands with students to Save OSAP

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles stood alongside Ontario students and advocates this morning, continuing the NDP’s call for Doug Ford to reverse the cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

“Doug Ford’s OSAP cuts couldn’t have come at a worse time for Ontario’s youth,” said Stiles. “Youth unemployment is sky-high, cost of living is out of control, and now this government is making sure that students are buried in thousands of dollars of debt before they can even get their first job.

“The Conservatives say OSAP funding was unsustainable, but the reality is that their underfunding of our colleges and universities is unsustainable. Ford has starved this sector for decades, and now he’s handing the bill to the next generation."

“We know that a majority of Ontario’s students rely on OSAP,” said Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities Peggy Sattler (London West). “The Ford government is shifting the burden of debt on to students in financial need.

“This government restricted OSAP in 2019. Now, students in need are being saddled with thousands of dollars of debt for simply trying to build a future for themselves. If Ford doesn't reverse this decision, he is putting our province’s future on the line. We need to tear down financial barriers to education, not build more.”

“The good news is, it’s not too late,” added Stiles. “Ford has always loved a good flip-flop. New Democrats will stand with students, families, and advocates to fight back against these cuts so we can build a better future for Ontario’s youth.”