High school students in Barrie traded in their books for protest signs on Wednesday to fight the Ontario government’s planned changes to the province’s student financial aid program.
Kausthubh Abhilash, a grade 12 student at Bear Creek Secondary School, was one of the protesters, passionately chanting.
“It doesn’t matter what it is - you can hear everybody chanting, ‘Save our OSAP, save our OSAP.’ We are all here to be here. We need that funding,” said Abhilash. “Doug Ford, give it back!”
The rain didn’t stop hundreds of young people standing up for what they feel is an unfair approach to educational funding.
Under the government’s new plan, 25 per cent of post-secondary school funding would come through grants and 75 per cent would be considered a loan and would have to be paid back.
The students clearly expressed how unacceptable that is to them.
“The changes to how grants and loans are structured - they are devastating,” said Kien Duong, a grade 12 student at Innisdale Secondary School. “They will cut off many students for being able to pay for post-secondary. I was originally considering after a bachelors degree going into a masters program, but if the OSAP changes really do go into effect, I may have to reconsider.”
The students were peaceful and loud as they gathered outside both Barrie MPP offices today.
“I feel like we have to do something because if we don’t, no one else will. This is our future and I believe it’s up to us to save our future,” said another high school student, Jack Dawes.
Nozima Sasarova, a grade 11 student at Innisdale Secondary School, reflected on her experience and what the uncertainty of the future in education.
“It will affect my plan. I have spent over 12 years in education. Now my post-secondary life is affected.”
A big concern for young students is the debt they may face upon graduation and are hoping the Ford government reconsiders its proposed plan.
Ava Carter, a grade 11 Eastview Secondary School student, is debating what to do when it comes time for her post-secondary education.
“I’m thinking tuition. I’m thinking like, should I stay in my home town to, you know, get rid of extra costs...I might not be going to a better program.”
The protesting students said they will not back down in their attempts to get the Ontario government to change its plans for OSAP. Some are suggesting they may be forced to hold a series of more protests in the coming months.
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