OSAP cuts prompt opposition call for Ford to reverse course.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles urged Premier Doug Ford to reverse announced reductions to OSAP grants and related tuition changes; the province has said grants will fall from a maximum of 85% to 25% and colleges may raise tuition by 2% annually for three years.

The leader of Ontario's Official Opposition, Marit Stiles, held a news conference at Queen's Park calling on Premier Doug Ford to reverse announced changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The provincial government announced the changes earlier this month and said they would take effect beginning in the fall. Those changes include reducing OSAP grants from a reported maximum of 85% to 25% for eligible students and allowing colleges and universities to raise tuition by two per cent annually for the next three years. Students and union representatives spoke at the event and expressed concerns about affordability and access. Key points: - Marit Stiles publicly urged Premier Doug Ford to "reverse course" on the announced OSAP changes, according to her remarks at the news conference. - The province announced that OSAP grants will decrease from up to 85% to 25% beginning in the fall, and that colleges and universities may increase tuition by 2% annually for three years. - Premier Ford defended the changes as addressing an unsustainable model and encouraged students to focus on STEM, health care and technology fields, according to his comments. - Student and graduate union representatives said the changes could raise debt burdens, deter some graduate study, and make post-secondary education less accessible for marginalized students and those with special needs. Summary: These reported changes reduce grant support and permit tuition growth, and officials and student groups say they will affect affordability and access for some students. The government has characterized the move as a fiscal adjustment and emphasized priority fields. Undetermined at this time.