Western students voice concerns Over OSAP changes and rising tuition

Western University students expressed their disappointment Sunday afternoon, over Ontario’s cuts to OSAP grants, as the province also lifted a long-standing tuition fee freeze.

“I think it’s stupid,” said Maisie Kniivila, a second-year Western University student.

The province announced in February it will decrease the proportion of grants offered through the Ontario Student Assistance Program from 85 per cent of funding to a maximum of 25 per cent.

“Students had a pretty far chance, even if they were middle income, to receive some amount of funding but now students who are lower income and even middle class are looking at such a disproportionate way of money given back to them,” said protest organizer Brooklin Begg.

Students said they are concerned about the future of affordable education.

“I do feel like it is a great injustice to all of these students in Ontario and who need to pay more money over the next few years who are relying on these grants, who need these grants.” said Carly Farrow, a second-year Western University student. “I have friends who are from out of town and international students who will not be able to continue their years at Western or at any university.”

“I would say I have a lot of anxiety for the future and for my financial future as well,” said protest organizer Amrithaa Logeswaran.

Students are calling for a complete reversal of the proposed changes.

“There should be meaningful consultation with students regarding changes to the OSAP and their financial funding,” said Logeswaran.

“It’s unfair that only rich people get to have an education when poor people could be just as smart or whatever but can’t afford it,” said Kniivila.

The changes to OSAP will go into effect for the next school year