Windsor post-secondary schools welcome new provincial funding

Ontario announced a $6.4-billion funding model for colleges and universities over four years, and leaders at the University of Windsor and St. Clair College said the money brings relief; students and some politicians expressed concern about new tuition increases and reductions to OSAP grants.

The province announced a new funding model for Ontario's colleges and universities alongside the end of a long tuition freeze and changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Local leaders at the University of Windsor and St. Clair College described the funding as welcome relief amid recent budget pressures. Students and some elected officials said they are worried about allowed tuition increases and cuts to non-repayable OSAP grants. The funding was presented as a multi-year plan intended to address financial strain across the sector. Key facts: - The province announced a $6.4-billion funding model to be paid out over the next four years. - Colleges and universities will be permitted to raise tuition by two per cent annually for the next three years. - The maximum portion of OSAP available as non-repayable grants will be reduced from 85 per cent to a maximum of 25 per cent. - University of Windsor president J.J. McMurtry said the sector feels relief and noted the details will matter for specific programs. - St. Clair College president Michael Silvaggi called it the largest investment he has seen and said it helps address the college's budget deficit tied to caps on international students. - Students and student groups, and NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky, expressed concern that the package shifts more cost onto students. Summary: The funding package is intended to provide greater stability for post-secondary institutions and to address deficits that some colleges and universities reported after federal caps on international student enrollment. At the same time, the plan includes allowed tuition increases and a sharp reduction in OSAP grant support, which has drawn concern from students and some politicians. The funding will be distributed over the next four years and the tuition and OSAP changes take effect in the coming year.