What’s next for IGNITE in the fight to protect OSAP

Reducing student support will not create a better Ontario.

Last week, we stood alongside hundreds of post-secondary students and student organizations at Queen’s Park to rally against the changes of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

If you missed our previous coverage, the provincial government recently announced major changes to OSAP funding. Under the new proposal, the current balance of 85 per cent grants and 15 per cent loans will shift to 25 per cent grants and 75 per cent loans.

This means that hundreds of thousands of students across the province who rely on OSAP will have significantly more debt instead of receiving the financial support they need to complete their education.

For some students, this financial pressure could even mean reconsidering whether post-secondary education is possible at all.

Here’s a recap video from the Rally for Student Life, where students and IGNITE gathered to make their voices heard.

However, the job isn’t over. IGNITE will continue pushing back against the province’s “basket weaving” stance and advocating to defend OSAP and accessible post-secondary education.

Here’s how you can stay involved and what comes next.

Save OSAP town hall

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Ontario New Democratic Party, led by the Official Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles, will host a town hall on March 12 to continue the conversation around the changes to OSAP.

This will be our first stop. It’s also a great opportunity for students to get involved.

The town hall is open to the public and will provide a space for students to learn more about the topic, ask questions and connect with others advocating for accessible post-secondary education.

IGNITE Student Advocates Emily Edwards and Selena Ferreira will attend the event to speak with students, student organizations and provincial leaders.

Selena, Emily and IGNITE are encouraging all Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students to attend this town hall and help advocate for the future of OSAP and education in Ontario.

The town hall will take place on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. in downtown Toronto, with the exact location still pending confirmation.

Be sure to reach out to your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and invite them to join the conversation.

Meeting with local MPPs

A woman wearing a black coat and a beanie speaks to others at a rally. She is holding a sign and surrounded by people and flags. — *Photo by IGNITE.*

After connecting with MPPs at last year’s Advocacy Summit, IGNITE continues to push for meetings with decision-makers across Ontario.

We know the importance of making petitions, writing letters and amplifying students’ voices through social media. But we believe that sharing real students’ experiences directly with policymakers is just as important.

These conversations make sure that Humber and UofGH students’ concerns are brought into discussions happening at Queen’s Park.

We will be welcoming Lee Fairclough (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) and Tyler Watt (Nepean) to a meeting at the Humber Lakeshore campus on March 17.

Selena and Emily will speak with the MPPs about the changes to OSAP and share what they have been hearing from students about the growing cost of post-secondary education in Ontario.

Students’ voices have power, and we want to make sure they are heard by the right people.

How to get involved

Two students are being interviewed during a rally, with people in the background holding banners, signs and flags. — *Photo by IGNITE.*

At a time when post-secondary education is becoming less accessible, students’ voices matter more than ever. Staying informed and getting involved are super important to protect your education.

One way to make your voice heard is by contacting your local MPP. You can use the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website to find your MPP and send them a letter about the topic.

When reaching out, you can ask what actions they are taking on this issue, whether they are hosting any community meetings you can attend and if there are petitions or other initiatives you can support.

For students at Humber and UofGH, here are the MPPs representing the ridings where the campuses are located:

Lakeshore: Lee Fairclough (Etobicoke-Lakeshore).

Downtown: Jessica Bell (University-Rosedale).

North: Doug Ford (Etobicoke North).

You can also continue to show your support at protests. Following the Rally for Student Life last week, another protest will take place at Queen’s Park on March 24. IGNITE Student Advocates will be there and are encouraging students to join them.

Finally, you can also stay involved by connecting with IGNITE directly. Students can reach out through Instagram, email at [email protected] or by contacting the Student Advocates to stay updated on advocacy initiatives and opportunities to participate.

Change starts with us speaking up. And the more voices that join, the stronger the impact we can make together.

A group of students are at a protest and are holding signs about OSAP funding. — *Photo by IGNITE.*

The changes to OSAP will lead to long-term consequences for the future of accessibility and affordability of post-secondary education.

IGNITE will continue attending events, meeting with decision-makers and working with students to amplify their voices.

And this is why your engagement matters. Every action helps keep your voice at the centre of the conversation — and that’s how it should be.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Do you want to learn more about the OSAP changes? Check out what they mean for post-secondary students!