OUSA spent a lot of time doing policy work this month! We successfully held our 52rd OUSA General Assembly fully virtually. The General Assembly reviewed, edited and passed two policies papers: Student Health & Wellness and Addressing Racism and Religious Discrimination. We also approved a report on the status of the Indigenous Students policy paper, which is set to be updated in Fall 2021. The full, published policy papers will be up on our website and social media sites by the end of May.
OUSA responded to the Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. The budget excludes a noticeable lack of targeted investments to adequately support post-secondary students. OUSA will continue to advocate for students’ top priorities, including increased government support in student financial aid, work-integrated learning, and mental health. You can read our full response here: https://www.ousa.ca/pr_2021_budget
OUSA also had a busy month when it comes to hiring. We hired two summer student interns and a new Research and Policy Analyst. Our new Research and Policy Analyst, Malika Dhanani, started this past Monday, and our two summer interns will begin in May. Stay tuned for their introductory blog posts coming soon!
OUSA has continued to meet with stakeholders and elected officials, including an introductory meeting with the new NDP Critic for Colleges and Universities, MPP Laura Mae Lindo.
With one more month left in our terms, OUSA is working on wrapping up another successful year of advocacy, including passing a budget for the 2021-2022 year, and tying up any loose ends! We are looking forward to welcoming a new board through a comprehensive transition process and onboarding, and can’t wait to see what the next group of student leaders bring to OUSA.