OUSA Submission: Pre-budget Submission 2024
While the pattern of post-secondary sector underfunding has been known for some time, the Blue Ribbon Panel report has shed light on the dire financial situation that universities are in. Several institutions have announced significant deficits and the risks to student services and programming, such as mental health and accessibility, are imminent. OUSA's 2024 pre-budget submission underscores the importance of higher investments in higher education and calls for improvements to OSAP repayment structures so that students can better afford their post-secondary education in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. The province has an opportunity to create a sustainable funding model that does not rely on international tuition, protects the sector, and ensures students do not lose critical resources that support their success in Ontario's post-secondary system and beyond.