Ontario faculty call for restoration of student grants and more postsecondary funding amid economic hardship

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Ontario faculty call for restoration of student grants and more postsecondary funding amid economic hardshipAuthor of the article:Toronto, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations said students, their families, and university workers deserve more from the government than inadequate postsecondary funding and a lack of clarity around student assistance.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountNo new funding was announced during the province’s 2026 Fall Economic Statement, introduced today in the legislature, nor was any change announced to frozen student aid under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.While the provincial government announced $6.4 billion for the sector earlier this year, Ontario still sits in last place in the nation for per-domestic student funding. Ontario provided just $10,533 in total university funding per-domestic full-time equivalent student in 2024-25, the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available, more than $7,000 behind the national average of $18,065. OCUFA research shows that cuts to OSAP grants paid for at least 69% of funds announced for the sector in February.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“The government took money from the students least able to afford it to fund postsecondary education, but this did not do anything to move Ontario from its national last-place standing in per-student funding,” said OCUFA President Rob Kristofferson. “Despite record enrolments in Ontario universities, the government is not supporting students who need help now with completing their studies or providing any stability for public universities in the future.”Since February, the government has cut student grant amounts for all students and frozen OSAP entirely for private career college students. The Financial Accountability Office also reports that current funding levels for postsecondary education won’t sustain the sector after 2027-2028.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.OCUFA is calling on the government to restore students grants and to remove interest on the provincial loans portion of OSAP. The organization is also calling for long-term, stable funding increases to support new generations of students who continue to demand an Ontario public university education.“Today’s fiscal update from the province affirmed that Ontarians are facing intense economic uncertainty and hardship due to tariffs and the fallout of the trade war, and the last thing they need is more uncertainty from the government about affording education that will further their careers,” said OCUFA Executive Director Jenny Ahn. “The government should be supporting students in all programs, reversing cuts to student grants, and committing to fully investing in our public postsecondary education system.”Faculty, academic librarians, and academic professionals from across Ontario will hold meetings with MPPs at Queen’s Park during OCUFA’s annual advocacy day on November 4, continuing to work tirelessly for a strong, well-funded public student aid program and postsecondary system.Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents more than 18,000 faculty, academic librarians, and other academic professionals in 30 member organizations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca. Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations media@ocufa.on.ca This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.