Ford defends cuts to OSAP grant program

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended reductions to OSAP grants, saying the changes were necessary; the government announced the maximum grant will fall from 85 per cent to 25 per cent starting this fall.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stood by his decision to reduce funding for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). He said the previous approach was unsustainable and that the changes still aim to support the most vulnerable students. The provincial government announced that the maximum OSAP grant will drop from 85 per cent to 25 per cent beginning this fall. Students and groups have responded with petitions and plans for organized protests online. What is known: - Premier Doug Ford defended the decision and said the grants are taxpayer-funded and meant to help the most vulnerable. - The province announced the maximum OSAP grant will decrease from 85 per cent to 25 per cent starting in the fall term. - Petitions and plans for protests by students and groups have appeared online in response to the announcement. Summary: The announced change reduces the level of provincial grant support available through OSAP and has prompted public pushback. Undetermined at this time.