NEWS RELEASE
November 15, 2024
OUSA recognizes one year since the release of the Blue Ribbon Panel report
TORONTO - Today marks one year since the final report from the Blue Ribbon Panel was released. The Panel put forth several recommendations to the provincial government to enhance the sustainability of Ontario’s post-secondary sector. While the province has taken some steps to support student affordability and institutional investments, there remains significant shortfalls that exacerbate the financial crisis facing universities.
Since the release of the report, the government announced the continuation of the tuition freeze for another three years. This move was appreciated by students, who are struggling to pay for both the academic and non-academic costs of their post-secondary education; especially the 57% who are worried about affording their tuition. It provides reassurance and a sense of predictability as students budget their cost-of-living.
However, the province’s overall response to ensuring the financial stability of the sector has been disappointing. Cumulatively, the Panel’s recommendations estimated a $2.5 billion injection to support Ontario’s post-secondary system. The provincial government followed this with a $1.3 billion investment over three years, which does not address the gaps needed to keep institutions afloat. This is especially worrisome in light of the international visa cap, where universities are projecting a consequential $1 billion deficit over two years. This undermines the ability of institutions to provide quality education and services at a time when students rely on supports to empower their success both in-study and post-graduation. Funding that is provided to universities in order to subsidize the cost of program delivery for students, known as weighted grant units, has been frozen since 2017 and as identified by the Panel, is the lowest in the country. As the demand for an Ontario university education grows, so too should the per-student funding that the government provides.
The Blue Ribbon Panel also recommended that the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) be reviewed so that grants are prioritized for low-income students. Since changes to the program in 2019, students have been clear that the assistance provided by the program is insufficient to help with their post-secondary affordability. Students have consistently reported receiving reduced amounts of OSAP funding since 2019. The provincial government has not made any significant changes to OSAP that would support students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
As the province prepares to enter another fiscal year, we implore them to consider the dire financial needs of post-secondary institutions and students. This includes following the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendation to implement a one-time increase of 10% to operating grants, followed by an adjustment in line with the consumer price index, or a minimum of 2% per annum. Eventually, OUSA would like to see these contributions increase to the extent that student dollars are contributing no more than a third towards operating revenue. As well, we are asking for the province to adopt the Panel’s recommendation to increase the value of weighted grant units to reflect the variation in enrolment distribution for various programs and inflationary increases in program delivery costs. We also call on the province to pursue a reassessment of the current OSAP structure and consider any assessment changes that would increase grant-based funding for low-income students. These measures, in addition to enhanced funding for successful institutional outcomes, will address the serious gaps in funding that are currently present and only expected to worsen without adequate intervention.
Ontario universities hold immense value. They drive innovation and research, contribute to local economies, and diversify communities. They are a critical vessel for individuals to move up the socio-economic ladder and produce strong leaders for our workforce. At the core of all of this, is students. Investing in post-secondary education means investing in our students, and ultimately, investing in all of our futures.
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About: OUSA represents the interests of 160,000 professional and undergraduate, full-time and part-time university students at nine student associations across Ontario. Our vision is for an accessible, affordable, accountable, and high quality post-secondary education in Ontario.
Contact:
Tiffany Li Wu
Manager of Operations and Communications
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
416-341-9948 | [email protected]