OUSA

“We have been working with many of you – colleges, universities and student associations. I want to particularly thank [Executive Director] Sam Andrey and his team from the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, who have personally been so involved in this, in starting to deal with the issue of affordability.”
-Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities at the launch of the Ontario tuition grant (January 2012)

“OUSA has a long history of promoting informed debate on higher education and advocating for issues important to students. The voice of Ontario university undergraduates is in able hands.”
-Harvey Weingarten, President & CEO, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (December 2011)

“Education is one of the most important investments that students make in their future and that Ontario makes for the future of the province. It was great to see such an energetic and knowledgeable group of students committed to providing a voice for all undergraduates.”
-Jeff Yurek, MPP, Elgin-Middlesex-London

“A lot of [the improvements to student assistance in Budget 2010] came about because of the good work that’s been done by OUSA, because of the discussions that we’ve had and the very specific and sometimes technical information you’ve been able to bring forward. So kudos to OUSA!”
-Hon. John Milloy, former Minister of Training, Colleges & Universities (March 2011)

“It’s important that Ontario’s students remain at the forefront of the public debate.  OUSA has always done an outstanding job in this regard, and has in many ways led the argument for a continued focus on investment in higher education. Avoiding ideological excess every step of the way, OUSA has commissioned research, documented the failures of public policy, and pointed the way to a better approach… I congratulate OUSA on keeping the debate alive, focused, and looking for solutions rather than rhetoric.”
-MP Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and author of Ontario: A Leader in Learning (October 2010)

“I welcome your organization’s ideas on promoting an accessible, high-quality education system for the future… Thank you again for OUSA’s valuable feedback – it is always welcome.”
-Premier Dalton McGuinty (September 2010)

“OUSA’s paper is well thought out and well written. We are reminded that OUSA has been a pioneer in making some of the key points that we made in our book.”
-David Trick, former Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance and Assistant Deputy Minister for Postsecondary Education, co-author of Academic Transformation (August 2010)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the work you’ve done in helping to shape the Council’s research agenda. You’ve played an important role in directing our efforts into areas where we can most provide a benefit to the postsecondary education system.”
-Frank Iacobucci, Chair of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (March 2010)

“It’s a pleasure to partner with OUSA in helping to advance important university issues in this province. OUSA conducts strong policy work and develops constructive approaches to major issues in our sector and we collectively benefit from sharing information, exploring options and working with them to build awareness of the university sector and of the importance of our students to the future success of our province.”
-Bonnie Patterson, President of the Council of Ontario Universities (November 2009)

“I was impressed by the submission presented by the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance to the provincial government this week… I think the report is eminently reasonable, especially some of the recommendations on quality and access. It also lacks some of the needlessly confrontational language I sometimes see with student advocacy.”
-Léo Charbonneau, Margin Notes, University Affairs News Blog (November 2009)

“The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance is a valued partner of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. Over the years CASA has worked with OUSA in an effort to strengthen both provincial and federal advocacy for post-secondary students. My interest and passion for student advocacy began with OUSA. Now, as the National Director of CASA, I am grateful to know the vital relationship that exists between both organizations on a personal level. I consider OUSA not only a respected partner, but also a dear friend in the post-secondary sector.”
-Arati Sharma, former National Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (October 2009)

“I am especially grateful for the paper on tuition. I look forward to your continued input on this and other important issues facing Ontario.”
-John Tory, Leader of the Official Opposition (May 2006)

“OUSA seems to have found a way to put forward strong views without alienating potential partners. Keep up the good work.”
-Norman Riddell, Executive Director and CEO, Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation (April 2006)

“OUSA’s thoughtful and thorough analysis of issues has been very impressive. I was proud to have the opportunity to work with you and your colleagues.”
-Mary Anne Chambers, former Minister, Training, Colleges & Universities (August 2005)

“…I applaud the efforts you and your OUSA colleagues continually make to maintain open lines of dialogue amongst all stakeholders regarding post-secondary education in this province.”
-Dr. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, former President of University of Waterloo (February 2004)

“The Ministry [of Training, Colleges & Universities] is very interested in being kept abreast of OUSA’s positions on the items we have discussed, including tuition policy and student financial assistance…I value the excellent communication links we have on these issues.”
-Mr. Kevin Costante, former Deputy Minister, Training, Colleges & Universities (January 2004)

“Recently, I, along with other members, I’m sure, met with Adam Spence, Paul Yeoman and Graeme Stewart, members of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance [sic]. These young student leaders had several requests. They want the government to make sure that it maintains and improves the quality of education at universities in the midst of a tuition freeze. They also asked for the OSAP maximum to be increased to reflect the current level of expenditures for students in university. Minister, are you prepared to commit to the requests of these students for the future of Ontario?”
-Question in the Legislature to Minister Mary Anne Chambers (as quoted in the Hansard) from MPP John O’Toole (Durham), December 4, 2003 (this was the first question posed to Minister Chambers in the Legislature)

“I want to thank you for sharing your research and thoughtful comments…Many have commented that the presentations were very informative and provided critical insights into the challenges facing post secondary education, and opportunities for ensuring that affordable, quality education continues to be available in Ontario.”
-Dr. Henry Jacek, former President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (January 2003)

“Each encounter with student leaders such as yourself reinforces our belief in of [sic] the important role you play in safeguarding the quality of student life on your college and university campuses, both by representing student interests to your institutions and beyond and by providing valuable information and services to the students you serve.”
-Mr. Sheamus Murphy, Public Affairs Officer, Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation (July 2002)