Earlier this year, the government tabled Bill 33, which would give the province more power to control the fees that students may or may not pay. These fees support vital services and programs that students rely on such as:
- Food banks and emergency housing assistance
- Mental health and peer support services
- Campus clubs and cultural organizations
- Representation for marginalized and underrepresented students through advocacy
- Legal aid, equity centres, and transit programs
As students, you already have access to democratic processes on-campus that allow you to choose the fees you pay. This Bill would threaten the sustainability of several services and ultimately reduce the quality of your post-secondary experience.
However, you have an opportunity to make your voice heard. Below is an email template that you can send to your local MPP (which can be found here). We know you care about having a good post-secondary education, and this is one way to be directly involved with OUSA's advocacy. We hope you join students across the province to express your concerns on Bill 33!
EMAIL TEMPLATE
Subject: Concerns about Bill 33 – Protect Essential Student Services
Dear [MPP Name],
As a student in Ontario, I’m writing to express concerns about Bill 33.
This legislation could impact the independence of democratically-elected student associations by allowing the government to make fees optional. These fees fund critical services - including food banks, transit programs, mental health support, and advocacy for all students. This reduction in services will also impact the ability of students to hold their university administrators accountable, and fill in service gaps for all students.
Students deserve the right to support themselves and services they rely on. Please stand with students and encourage the government to amend Bill 33 to remove the regulation of student fees through the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your School / Riding]