Welcome to the OUSA Newsroom.  Here you will find the most current information about OUSA and its activities.  Every time there is news about OUSA, you will see it here first on the website before any other medium.  So sign up for the RSS feed to get instant updates, or check regularly.  Our news stories are featured on the main page through the news rotators, as well as the sidebar on all pages.  The blog will be updated nearly every weekday, and Press Releases will be posted here as they are sent to the newswire.  Also, links to our monthly newsletter are available in the publications section, and a online version of our Educated Solutions magazine.

The Buzz About OUSA

“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, Interim 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)

“As you know we have been working hard on this issue, and have come to OUSA to get your feedback. This is hard work what you do, representing your institutions and your students.”
-Minister John Milloy, Training, Colleges & Universities, and Research & Innovation (October 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, 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)

“I was most impressed by the crowd and the panelists…….. and also thought the food and venue perfect. You did a great job in arranging it all and I was delighted to be a small part of it.”
-Globe and Mail columnist Roy MacGregor on the Partners in Higher Education Dinner (March 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 and current Minister, Children and Youth Services. (August 2005)

“…I’m grateful for the time you took to prepare this report and to share it with me. Your input is always welcome. I congratulate you on your fine work, and I look forward to an ongoing dialogue with you on issues of mutual interest and concern.”
-Premier Dalton McGuinty (March 2004)

“…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, President, University of Waterloo (February 2004)

“I value the working relationship we have developed, and I will take your comments under advisement in discussions with my colleagues on the Education Policy Committee.”
-Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Children and Youth Services & Citizenship and Immigration (January 2004)

“I appreciate the opportunity to dialogue with the youth of this province regarding post-secondary education, and I thank you for your comments and briefing on behalf of OUSA…As a former educator, I was impressed with the quality of your presentation and the information that you provided.”
-MPP Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh) (January 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, Deputy Minister, Training, Colleges & Universities (January 2004)

“I enjoyed meeting with you and your colleagues on December 3, 2003. As Minister, I welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with you to continue to build postsecondary education and training systems that give our students the knowledge and skills they need to realize their potential.”
-Minister Mary Anne Chambers, Training, Colleges & Universities (January 2004)

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss your concerns regarding university funding and tuition levels. Accessibility to Ontario’s universities is very important and I support your initiative to raise the OSAP maximum to $11,150 [sic] per year. I also agree that during a tuition freeze, the quality of universities must remain a priority.”
-MPP John O’Toole (Durham) (December 2003)

“Recently, I, along with other members, I’m sure, met with Adam Spence, Paul Yeoman and Graeme Stewart, members of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Association [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, President, 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)

“I was impressed with their knowledge and their concern for the tuition costs that face many of our post secondary students. I mentioned that lobbying government is a healthy exercise and one that you should continue to pursue.”
-MPP Morley Kells (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) (November 2001)

“I’d like to welcome the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance here today, fighting for the rights of students across this province. Welcome.”
-MPP Marie Bountrogianni (Hamilton Mountain), introducing OUSA guests to the House (November 2001)