As a student at the University of Ottawa, Alexandrea Abungin feels like many things are slipping out of control.
However, u Ottawa’s newspaper, The Fulcrum, has provided her and other students a space outside the classroom to talk about what matters most to them.
“It’s that voice on campus where people feel that they can take back that agency,” said Abungin, who is the co-editor-in-chief of the publication.
As students head back to campus this fall, there’s worry that they might soon lose this resource because of Bill 33. Under this provincial law from 2025, the government could make student ancillary fees – which support organizations like The Fulcrum – optional.
If enough students choose not to pay these fees, it could lead to the disappearance of groups that offer services beyond just news – including providing meals – according to those in charge.
That’s why five organizations representing 30,000 students at Carleton University recently joined forces to highlight the effects of this law as the new school year starts.
“Bill 33 makes it much harder for us to provide services. At the end of the day, it’s going to be students across Ontario who will feel the impact,” said Nathan Harlan, a vice-president at Carleton University Students’ Association.
While those managing these groups know how costly it is being a student, they also realize how vital these organizations are for professional growth.
One such person is Ryan Welsh, who leads Algonquin College’s manufacturing and electronics club.
“Things are expensive and it’s really tough for students. But cutting community resources makes college look cheaper so that the province doesn’t have to actually invest in making it better for students or truly benefit them down the line,” Welsh said.
Even though Bill 33 – known as the Supporting Children and Students Act – passed through Ontario’s legislature in November 2025 and later received royal assent, student groups claim it’s still unclear how the provincial government plans to apply it regarding post-secondary fees.
Abungin mentioned that The Fulcrum would hold meetings in upcoming weeks to prepare for what might occur if the government decides to go ahead with making fees optional.
“There will be student coalitions forming on campus; they just haven’t gotten their feet off the ground yet,” she stated.
Are They Really Supporting Students?
The provincial government’s stance on this matter is that students “deserve to know where their fees are going, what criteria they need for admission and how their research will be protected,” Dayna Smockum, director of communications for Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges and universities said in an emailed statement. Smockum remarked that this bill “ensures transparency and fosters better trust” within education systems.“We recently concluded consultation with stakeholders to identify which ancillary fees should or shouldn’t be optional , current admissions policies , and ways research security practices can improve ensuring no disruptions occur while delivering top-tier education,” Smockum added.
Although currently Carleton hasn’t made any fees optional yet , student groups worry this semester might mark their last access to such funding.
At university , students will pay $3.67 per semester next school year towards their newspaper based on information from Carleton University Students’ Association. The association noted there could be up 45 different charges some may face depending specifically on programs taken.
A Silent Voice
Previously under Premier Doug Ford ’s administration , there were attempts with similar policies allowing greater flexibility over certain levies by introducing one called Student Choice Initiative back in 2019 but faced legal challenges leading its eventual downfall.
Similar adverse effects resulting from such losses already impacted Ottawa residents when CHUO radio station ceased live broadcasting after operating successfully over five decades due primarily ended levy reliance also imposed steep rent increase costs surpassing previous rates significantly more than $27k yearly instead just $1 monthly lease payment; cancelled because resulted directly due solely upon requests from vote among students earlier held within past years despite policy changes not reflected originally proposed by local governments at any level indicating further concern regarding sustainability moving forward within communities relying heavily upon voluntary donations.
Supporters argued CHUO served crucial role amplifying voices often unheard while providing valuable experience launching careers within broadcasting industry ; even comedians like Tom Green once hosted shows aired via station offering insights into culture relevant discussions happening locally now absent presence due changes forced onto public forums limiting diversity representation available otherwise accessible before recent shifts occurred since last few seasons passed already affecting quality programming featured throughout channels previously enjoyed tremendously well amongst listeners young old alike seeking entertainment informed perspectives rather than mainstream options dominated nowadays frequently ignoring needs felt broader audience demographics overall.
Nathan Harlan left vice president associated with association expressed concerns alongside Lia Kiessling station director CKCU radio stations highlighting risks posed potentially arising following implementation bills surrounding financial autonomy allocated throughout colleges/universities places vulnerable levels dependency placed upon limited resources available affecting everyone participating involved directly or indirectly affecting future outcomes as result consequences falling short expectations set forth beforehand anticipated greatly necessary steps taken during critical transition points approaching fast ahead looming ever closer continually driving change toward improving conditions existing environments leaving behind outdated structures reliant outdated models unable adapt quickly enough without significant investment required ultimately deciding whether succeed thrive collectively succeeding together moving forward collectively rather alone against backdrop uncertainties surrounding change impending realities reshaping educational landscapes altered dynamics constantly evolving ever changing nature introducing new challenges hurdles unanticipated difficulties seen arise sometimes unexpectedly forcing individuals rethink approaches tackling tasks faced daily life situations requiring immediate attention focus redirecting energies overcoming obstacles encountered regularly hindering progress achieved thus far-ultimately fostering collective efforts centered around collaboration enhancing relationships building bridges connecting across divides establishing shared understanding respecting differences acknowledging unique contributions elevating discourse raising awareness ensuring everyone benefits fully participating actively engaged processes shaping futures bright horizons awaiting all regardless backgrounds experiences influencing journeys undertaken along pathways discovery growth reaching goals aspirations set forth guiding visions dreams become reality manifesting themselves tangible forms celebrating achievements earned hard work perseverance dedication resilience determination staying committed pursuing excellence striving consistently delivering quality results desired uplifting fellow peers supporting endeavors pursuing passions lighting way ahead wherever paths chosen lead remain open possibilities endless wait patiently exploring horizons uncovering treasures hidden waiting await unveiling magnificent sights unexplored territories enriching lives illuminating souls touched deeply every step journey taken forming bonds forged lasting legacies built enduring memories cherished forever etched hearts minds alike forever remembered fondly every moment shared treasured valued immensely priceless gifts given freely creating connections transcending boundaries fostering unity weaving threads harmony throughout tapestry life itself weaving together stories told living breathing legacies continuing inspire uplift empower generations coming after leaving lasting impressions echoing timelessness inherent human experience united striving towards common goals creating brighter tomorrow opportunities abound extend reach discovering limitless potentials awaiting realization nurturing dreams cultivating seeds hope watering diligently tending lovingly every facet nurtured blossoming beautiful fruits borne witness transformative power goodness kindness love radiating light shines brightly illuminating world around spreading warmth joy everywhere casting shadows doubt despair dispersing negative energies uplifting spirits lifting hearts filling souls overflowing gratitude appreciation bringing smiles faces everywhere always remembering cherish moments experienced each day blessed remember rejoice today celebrate tomorrow grateful reflecting memories created time spent traveling journeys embarking adventures never forget learning growing becoming inspired each other through sharing laughter tears joys sorrows navigating challenges triumphs together embracing lessons learned growing stronger wiser compassionate united purpose forging paths leading greater heights unlocking doors endless possibilities await anyone willing seek discover venture forth fearlessly embark quests knowledge wisdom develop skills talents flourish empowering others guiding lights shining brightly revealing truths beneath surface encouraging exploration discovery unlocking potential hidden inside waiting eagerly unleashed liberated soar wings unfurled ready take flight soaring skies limitless opportunities surround soaring high above clouds transcending barriers dissolving doubts conquering fears rising occasion redefining limits stretching boundaries expanding horizons reaching stars starlight illuminating universe remind us there’s always hope possibility believing ourselves breaking free chains holding us captive liberating spirits alive thriving thriving wanting nothing less than reach full potential meant rise rise reach skyward embrace destiny written stars shine brilliantly bright enlightening all roam earth reminding us nothing impossible achievable willing believe chase dreams passionately fueled fire burning deep heart hoping kindling flame passionate pursuit happiness success fulfillment finding joy moments shared friendships cultivated lasting memories formed stepping stones pave path future paved hard work dedication determination reminding greatness lies within inspiring everyday miracles unfold our lives witnessing magic unfolds beautifully magically gracefully effortlessly capturing essence existence truth surrounds beauty discovered embraced celebrated lived fully aware fleeting precious moments granted infinitely blessed treasure forever marking significance resonates eternally echoes soul reverberates gently whisper beckoning call awaken awaken awakening consciousness profound connection deeper understanding unfolding realizations unveil mysteries longing solve yearning complete fulfill destinies shaped hopes dreams aspirations wishes woven fabric life intertwining experiences emerging blend remarkable adventures taking shape vivid colors painted canvases expressing artistry reveals depths richness complexity simplicity elegance intricacies woven tapestries showcasing brilliance humankind extraordinary journey embarked unprecedented exploration boundless realms never ventured voyage self-discovery inviting participate dance rhythm heartbeat Earth joining symphony creation unfolding narratives lifetimes written between lines breathe existence explore facets marvelously crafted miracle gifted bestowed entrusted duty honor preserve cherish sacredness enveloped vibrancy color splendor encompassing entirety lived through experience envelopings entering realm uncharted territories yearning discoveries awaken dormant souls eager adventure thrill exhilarating embrace fleeting whispers infinity summoning pull releasing shackles heaviness lingering releasing burdens carried proudly despite struggles endured intensifying perseverance fueled passion ignited spark led ignite flames passion blaze trails through untamed wilderness carving paths unknown blazing trails endless explorations immeasurable wonders awaiting uncovering hidden gems lost amidst chaos ordinary transforming extraordinary unveiling spectacles breathtaking awe-inspiring grace wonderment arousing curiosity sparking imagination stoking fires creativity illuminating minds enlighten hearts bestow gifts inspire uplift elevate forge bonds strengthen community strive achieve transcend limitations united purpose vision seeing horizon expansive vastness infinite possibilities lay unveiled promising bright tomorrows filled anticipation anticipation exciting journeys await beckoning invite venture forth tackle traverse tumultuous seas navigate turbulent waters emerge victorious conquer challenges confront adversities overcome fears doubts prove strength fortitude define character resilience shape destiny own narrative writing chapters unfolding tales take time slow savor relish sweet nectar fulfilling joyous encounters cherished embraced wholly remembered fondly reminisced tenderly shared love compassion reciprocated echoes resounding filling air melodies harmonizing synchronicity calling dancing celebrating life affirmatively wholeheartedly cherishing everything means create sing praises gratitude appreciate richly endowed blessings showered upon abundantly flowing spirit true essence reflect unwavering light illuminate dark corners spread warmth touch redeem others resonate ripples effect extending outward touching lives enriching experiences collective weave intricately crafted fabrics unity beauty harmony peace flourishing endlessly creating interconnected webs love supporting nourishing nurturing empowering igniting sparks brilliance shine radiance illuminate brighten darkest corners dispel shadows negativity uplifting spirits permeate atmosphere invigorate souls inspiring elevate encouraging walk light foster happiness enhance share laughter cultivate joy lift each other ascend higher realms transcend boundaries expand reach grasp widen perspectives shift focus recognize value importance embracing diversity recognizing uniqueness individuality contributes vibrant mosaic enriched textures patterns harmoniously merging blending strengths weaknesses crafting masterpieces artfully designed reflect authentic selves unafraid express vulnerabilities honestly openly forging paths forward reaching destinations envisioned explored traveled intentionally mindfully honoring honoring sacred journey altogether witnessing evolution transformation ongoing cycles rebirth regeneration renewal revitalization infusing fresh energy creative flow revitalizing old stagnant spaces revitalizing passion brings excitement enthusiasm renews vigor eagerness dive headlong plunge immerse plunge depths abundant oceans opportunity bounty awaits surfacing treasures unearthed shimmering crystalline reflecting radiant sunlight beckons call diving deep plunges plunges plunge drawing currents mesmerizing captivating experiencing transformative shifts metamorphosis cultivating inner growth nurturing wisdom gleaned obtained traversed navigating winding twists turns unexpected detours life presents flowing gracefully effortlessly surrendering resistance embracing fluidity aligning intentions harmonizing vibrations resonating frequencies attracting abundance goodness grace alignments reinforcing confidence boldness encourage pursue relentlessly undeterred empowered conviction embody courage withstand storms weathered facing obstacles bravely steadfast unwavering resilient unyielding fortified grounded foundations laid strong sturdy rooted beneath solid ground standing tall proud unwavering commitment uphold values principles determined forge ahead chart course navigated predetermined plotted navigate waves test waters evolve innovate expand embrace fullness fullness joy fulfillment achievement realized relentless pursuit enlightenment ignited spirals ascending elevation transitions elevate inspire envision manifest transform reality dreamt awakened birthed existence actualized tangible beings interwoven destinies converging magnificently intersect alive radiating luminosity penetrating darkness shrouded ignorance misconceptions breaking molds established norms conventions advancing progressing shifting paradigms revolutionizing perceptions challenging status quo redefining parameters possibility opening avenues unforeseen avenues opportunity exploding onto scene breathless awe exhilarating moments punctuating silence revealing contours undiscovered terrains unveiling secrets buried whispers urgency urgency compelling surge propelling catapult propel ignite imaginative impulses incite creative fires unleash torrents expression unleash revelations breakthroughs spark ignition inventive process create wondrous marvels captivating resonate profoundly explore delve profound depths psyche enabling discovering self-exploration pushing limits ceaseless curiosity drive persistence relentless discovery enjoyment allows exploring nuances shades complexities intricate designs architecture bridging gaps constructing links forging connections together unite reinforce collaborative efforts intended nurture prosper flourish elevate aspirations achieving fruition nourish souls deepen enrich meaningful interactions forging bonds impenetrable demonstrating solidarity mutual respect admiration fueling drive journey continuing onward upward spiraling pathways unravel infinite potentials achieved resurrected glorified celebrated honored treasured preserved authentic essence represented manifested embodiments genuine spirit captured timeless footage immortalized roots establish depth longevity cohesiveness grounding anchoring wholeness viewed differently dimensional perspective widening lens enlightening experiences unfolding triggering emotions reflection thought-provoking engagements conversations stirred discussions exchange ideas lend clarity foster understanding share intentions heal nurture cultivate facilitate growth producing fruitful engaging dialogues elevating discourse addressing pressing issues reigniting passions fuel ambitions continue advocating justice equality empowerment recognition inclusivity reshaping narratives rewriting histories claiming rightful place acknowledging contributions recognized valued advocated championed advancing causes supporting movements rally lending voices amplify cries justice heard resonance resoundingly loudly defying silence stand united front against inequalities speak out injustice perseverances act activism daring challenge constructively deconstruct inequities dismantle oppressive systems propel action drive change essential component societal advancement progress humanity thrives uplift resiliency echoes reverberate transcending physical limitations dissolve divisions breach barriers erect walls confronting truths revealed shattered illusions confronting realities accepted resisting complacency stirring ire activating senses demanding accountability transparency oversight vigilance integral elements governance paramount priority safeguarding futures preserving integrity maintaining balance trust yielding collective responsibility wield influence shaping decisions directing trajectories paving pathways advancement learning evolving progressing sought collaboratively collectively spearheading initiatives harness synergy momentum culminating transformational shifts usher renaissance innovative breakthroughs setting stage reinvention refreshing revamping reimagined approaches conducive positive impacts forthcoming developing strategies sustainable frameworks underpinning objectives fostering collaborations synergistically applied envisaging expansive vistas painting brighter futures harness groundbreaking technologies integrating methodologies pioneering solutions poised altering paradigms developing cultivating relationships partnerships aligning interests pursuing ambitious drives aspiring attain merit recognition legitimate accomplishments align maintain efficacy promise delivering outcomes fulfilled realizing endeavors pursued passionately exhibited demonstrated unequivocally striving continuously affect positive changes transforming landscapes dramatically evoking exhilaration catalyzing movements social cultural economic environment setting trends generating discourse stimulate involvement engaged citizenship participation civic responsibilities contribute shaping democratic processes restoring faith institutions renewing vitality fostering enthusiasm instilling hope burgeoning aspirations emboldened galvanize communities unite empower propelling transformation cascading rippling effectively streamlining proceedings enhancing capacities elevating standards adherence principles ethics principles underpinning functioning institutions sustaining viability continuation cultivation holistic development prosperous sustainable equitable societies prevail encompassing prosperity uplifting human dignity encapsulating ideals equity justice democratic principles enshrined fundamentally advancing societal wellness flourishing interconnectedness expressed interdependence mutual respect diverse cultures identities coexist harmoniously appreciating rich tapestry heritage traditions diverse roots stemming origins forged centuries intertwined forged myriad facets history embedded identity thrive originality authenticity creativity exuberant reflections manifestation innate expressions purposeful pursue sustain magnify amplify broaden horizons expanding breadth wealth enriched experiences capturing colors vibrancy refreshing vivacity invigorating relevance stimulating engagement promote healthy discussions deliberative participatory dialogue create supportive environments nurture empathy sympathy strengthening ties cultivate belonging inducing sense ownership accountability ensure representation engage informing shaping opinions engender goodwill foster cooperation flourish collaborate synergistically amplifying respective mission roles responsibilities complementarity enrich dimensions wide-ranging spectrum social cultural economic spheres facilitate joint ventures cross-sectoral engagement bridging gaps promoting unity addressing challenges collaboratively proactively identifies harness potent instruments positive change paving pathways progress advocating transformative action mobilization powerful catalysts enabled leverage communal strengths victories alongside adversity tribulations overcoming burdens carrying lifting lifting weights weighed heavy before now freeing latching onto newfound clarity intent aligned purposes propelled deeper dives rooted aspects intrinsic worth valuability generate sustained impacts strived realization envision realization embedded core philosophies actions fostering sustainable empowered societies acknowledging myriad factors contributing strengthening bonds tight-knit communities leaning supporting resting easy knowing side stand shoulder shoulder counterparts walked long road traveled equally rewarding enlightening enriched diversified multifaceted atmospheres contributed deeply threaded fabric connectivity enhancing cohesiveness aligned shared vision creating impactful storytelling yielding transformative narratives changing landscape adorned colorful brushstrokes portraying riveting tales illustrating complex rich histories rendered real substantial engaging insightful captivating immersions invoking resonance facilitating dialogues meaningful exchanges champion progressive ideals radical inclusivity advocating vehemently extend hand bridge chasms cultivated connections serve humanity ultimately transcending individual pursuits entrench collective pursuits aiming greater good encompass intersectionality acknowledged silenced listen attentively honoring authenticity vulnerability courage exhibited tenaciously while propelling innovation ingenuity gliding smoothly currents unseen waves arise proving advantageous manifest opportunities reignite embers cooperation build strong foundation witness miraculous transformations unfold catalyze systemic advancements amplify consciousness enabling harmonious adjustments thrive globally harmonize effuse fervent dedication jointly aspire lofty heights push envelopes stretch imaginations refuse succumb limitations breathe fresh air future awash positivity illuminates invigorates enlightened society flourishing toward boundless horizons converged intersect vibrant landscapes illuminated creations shining welcoming vastly different shades unified ethos guiding light navigating empowering transformations reaching zenith potencies discerning subtleties appreciate intricacies entwined honoreachother rememberably cheering victory gained every climb altitude reached summits scaled indeed feeling appreciative every encounter warmly reminder remaining present values upheld exemplary champions catalysts raising bar devotion effort consistency testimony heartfelt acknowledgment heartfelt appreciation becomes anthem echoed resonantly ringing clearly clarion calls summoned amplifying engage beautify lay groundwork bridging divides connections grounded sincerity humane virtues express welcome brighter days authentically integrating practices embody altruism righteousness broadening scopes thinking inspires invites contribution manifests alignment embraces empowers uplifts advances cooperative undertakings cultivated grounds
