Ontario Premier Doug Ford told students worried about recent cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to focus on education that leads to in-demand jobs, and avoid what he called “basket-weaving courses.”
Speaking at Queen’s Park, Ford said many students contacted him about the OSAP changes. Starting this fall, the maximum amount of grant money students can receive will drop from 85 per cent to 25 per cent. Some students say this will leave them with more debt after graduation.
Ford said taxpayers want students to choose programs that lead to jobs in areas like trades, health care and science. He added that some students have misused OSAP money, which he said concerns taxpayers.
Omar Nusir, a second-year student at Western University, called Ford’s comments “shocking.” Nusir, who is studying medical sciences and hopes to become a doctor, said programs in high-demand fields are often more expensive. He worries the OSAP cuts could make it harder for him to afford medical school.
Nusir said he comes from a low-income family and relies heavily on OSAP grants. Because of the changes, he may need to work more hours and spend less time volunteering to pay for school.
