Students and Advocates Protest OSAP Changes at Queen’s Park

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 On March 24, 2026, students and community members gathered at Queen’s Park to protest major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program announced by the government of Doug Ford.

OSAP is a financial aid program that helps current and incoming post-secondary students pay for college or university. Funding typically comes in two forms: grants, which students do not have to repay, and loans, which are paid back after graduation. While the program is administered by the provincial government, funding comes from both the Ontario and federal governments.

Beginning in fall 2026, the provincial government plans to significantly restructure the program. Under the new system, grants will be capped at 25 percent of the total financial aid a student receives, while loans will make up at least 75 percent. Previously, some students were eligible to receive up to 85 percent of their assistance as non-repayable grants.

Government officials say the changes are intended to make the program more financially sustainable. In a statement, press secretary Bianca Giacoboni, speaking on behalf of Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, said the reforms are designed “to restore sustainability to the OSAP system that was facing a $2.3-billion pressure and ensure its availability for future generations.”

Critics argue that shifting funding toward loans could leave many students graduating with significantly more debt. These concerns fueled the protest at Queen’s Park, where speakers from various student and community organizations criticized the policy and raised broader concerns about government spending priorities and transparency.

For communities like Regent Park, the issue carries particular weight. The neighbourhood is home to many mixed- and low-income families, and programs like OSAP often play a critical role in helping residents access higher education.

RPTV spoke with several protesters at the rally to hear their perspectives on the policy changes and what they believe the future of student financial aid in Ontario should look like.


 

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