Ford government faces 'save OSAP' campaign over student loan changes

Ontario has restructured OSAP to reduce the share given as grants and increase loans, and opposition parties and student groups have launched a 'save OSAP' campaign while the premier says he will stand firm.

Ontario's government has restructured the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to shift most funding away from grants toward loans. The province will also provide new funding to colleges and universities and allow tuition increases of up to two per cent a year. Premier Doug Ford has said he will stand firm on the changes and described the previous system as unsustainable. Key facts: - The government announced OSAP will move from about 85% grants and 15% loans to a maximum of 25% grants starting this fall. - Opposition parties and student groups have launched a "save OSAP" campaign, reporting thousands of contacts and urging a reversal, while the premier says the most vulnerable will be taken care of. - No next procedural step has been reported publicly; the immediate course of events is undetermined at this time. Summary: Opponents say the change shifts more of the cost of post-secondary education onto students and has prompted an organized campaign to reverse the decision. Undetermined at this time.