Ontario OSAP Grant Cuts Controversy
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jun 05, 2026 · Last updated Jun 14, 2026
The changes to the Canada — Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the increased reliance on loans are expected to lead to higher student debt, potentially impacting consumer spending and the broader economy in Canada — Ontario. The controversy surrounding the allocation of grants, particularly the significant increase to private career colleges, could affect public perception and investment in the education sector.
The Canada — Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, drastically cut student assistance grants under the Canada — Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), reducing the grant portion from 85% to 25%. The government cited 'unsustainable' costs as the reason for these changes. However, new data obtained by The Canadian Press through a freedom-of-information request revealed that 95% of the recent $465 million growth in OSAP grant spending between 2023-24 and 2024-25 went to private career college students. This has drawn strong criticism from opposition figures like Tyler Watt and Marit Stiles, who argue that the government's justification for broad cuts does not hold up and that the issue was concentrated in one area. Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn defended the changes, stating the need to control rising costs, while also announcing $6.4 billion in funding for colleges and universities. The College Student Alliance has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the policy changes.
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