NEWS RELEASE
March 27, 2026
OUSA Responds to the 2026 Ontario Budget
TORONTO - Yesterday, the Ontario government released 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. As the province navigates the effects of economic uncertainty and shifts in global partnerships, this budget encompasses job creation, targeted investments in key public services and overall affordability for families and individuals to support the province’s long-term prosperity. Although these measures aim to protect the province’s economy and promote fiscal responsibility, OUSA remains concerned that the province has not fully recognized the vital contributions students make to Ontario’s economic success.
OUSA strongly urges the provincial government to implement measures to ensure students’ financial stability post-graduation; including more robust work integrated learning opportunities, reassessing the newly introduced OSAP structure and more gracious post-graduation repayment plans.
“This budget takes steps to improve Ontario’s economy and foster collaboration among provinces across Canada, though many students will feel they are being left behind,” said Sayak Sneddon-Ghosal, OUSA’s President. “Students were already struggling with affordability, and recent cuts to OSAP mean students are going to graduate with more debt than ever. The government should focus on increasing financial aid and implementing meaningful affordability measures that set students up for success while completing their studies and after they have graduated. We deserve an Ontario that equips students for the future without the burden of tremendous debt."
Firstly, OUSA welcomes the previously announced $6.4 billion investments towards post-secondary institutions’ operations, funding of up to 70,000 seats for in-demand post-secondary programs and helping meet the needs of small, rural, Northern and French-language universities, as well as Indigenous Institutes. This funding is vital to the sustainability and quality of Ontario’s post-secondary education system. We are also pleased to see the promise of a $5.5 billion investment in the post-secondary sector over the next 10 years, with over $2.2 billion in capital grants to make critical repairs, improve energy efficiency and modernize facilities by upgrading technology at post-secondary institutions. The $2.2 billion towards capital grants will help make an impact on the $4.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog facing Ontario’s universities today.
However, we are disheartened by the significant reductions in spending towards OSAP grants. Ontario boasts a robust post-secondary system that attracts students from all socio-economic backgrounds. The reduction in spending on OSAP grants and increase in loans could jeopardize this future for many students. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 53% of students received funding from OSAP, but 49% reported concerns about having enough money to complete their education because they received less money than the year before.¹ It is projected that enrollment will grow 45% by 2046, however, this figure will be greatly affected by these changes. With reduced access to financial aid, fewer students will be willing or able to take on a greater debt load in pursuit of post-secondary education.Prior to this decision, 85% of students anticipated that their total student debt would be very or somewhat burdensome after they graduate.² Decreasing OSAP funding will exacerbate existing inequalities, impact academic performance, and completion rates for students which can contribute to labour shortages in critical sectors. Programs vital to the growth of Ontario’s economy such as nursing, engineering and other STEM fields often come with high tuition costs, putting these programs out of reach for many average Ontarian families. OUSA believes all willing and qualified students deserve access to higher education. Decreasing investment into post-secondary students hurts the futures of young Ontarians and the future of the economy.
OUSA is committed to ensuring that the financial positions of post-secondary students are not overlooked in the conversation about protecting Ontario. The devastating cuts to financial aid threaten to have lasting impacts on graduation rates, which will result in less skilled graduates entering the workforce at a time when Ontario needs them most. The provincial government must take immediate action to restore Ontario’s position as a leader in the post-secondary sector by enacting affordability measures for students. To truly protect Ontario, we need a strong pipeline of graduates armed with the skills and problem-solving ability to ensure we can sustain economic growth for generations to come. OUSA remains willing to work with the provincial government to ensure we protect Ontario’s post-secondary sector and students. We cannot afford to leave students behind.
To learn more about students’ top priorities and what the provincial government can do to improve the lives of students, read our full pre-budget submission here.
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¹ OUSS 2024
² OUSS 2024
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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, high quality, and equitable post-secondary education in Ontario.
Contact:
Tobi Olumurewa
Manager of Communications
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
416-341-9948 | [email protected]