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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Ontario Premier Responds to Student Protests Over OSAP and Tuition
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has openly criticized post-secondary students who protested recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and tuition increases, referring to them as "naive" and likening their actions to those who "blindly follow" trends on social media. Ford made these remarks during a news conference in Toronto on Monday, in response to last week's widespread student protests across the province.
Details Behind Student Protests
The protests were organized in reaction to the provincial government's recent decisions affecting post-secondary education. Earlier this year, the Ontario government ended a seven-year tuition freeze and announced changes to OSAP in February. The changes, prompted by concerns about "unsustainable" program costs, resulted in cuts to grant funding available to students.
Student demonstrators participated in walkouts at campuses including York University, the University of Guelph, Trent University, and the University of Windsor. The "Hands Off Our Education!" campaign, as the movement was called, saw protests take place on multiple university campuses as students voiced their concerns over grant cuts and tuition hikes.
Ford's Comments on Student Actions
Addressing the situation, Premier Ford stated, "These kids are so naive. They should be... thanking the government for just investing." He suggested that students are heavily influenced by social media, saying, "They read the social media and half the people on social media [are] a bunch of looney tunes. They all run out like sheep." He advised students to "give your head a shake" and emphasized his preference for students to remain in the classroom rather than participate in walkouts.
Premier Promotes Focus on Future Employment
Ford encouraged students to concentrate on preparing for jobs in sectors with strong future prospects, particularly mentioning STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and health care fields. He praised the overall capability of Canadian post-secondary students, stating, "The ones that study, you're going to be successful because the number one thing you need when you leave university or college is a good paying job. We have the brightest students in the world as far as I'm concerned."
Background on OSAP Changes and Funding Decisions
The provincial government's recent policy adjustments involve reducing the amount of grant funding accessible through OSAP, marking a notable shift from previous years. The tuition freeze, which had kept costs unchanged for seven years, was also lifted, resulting in tuition increases for Ontario post-secondary students.
Student Responses and Continuing Debate
While Ford characterized the protest participants as misguided, the ongoing debate over student funding, OSAP grant cuts, and rising tuition continues to elicit strong reactions from students and educators across the province.
Related coverage
Source: cbc.ca.
