Hamilton Student Calls OSAP Cuts a Major Blow to Education

Marcelle Slote from Hamilton considers herself “a really ambitious student,” even though her education journey hasn’t been easy.

Slote, 25, is pursuing social work as a part-time mature student at Mohawk College in Hamilton.

She faces disabilities that have made it tough to secure co-op placements and keep up with a full course load, relying on payments from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), most of which goes toward her rent each month.

If not for the funding she gets through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), Slote shared with CBC Hamilton that “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go into post-secondary of any kind.”

Slote expressed her gratitude for that support, which is why she was “honestly really really shocked” upon learning that the province plans to cut back on OSAP grant amounts while increasing loan funding.

Now eligible students will only receive 25 percent of their tuition costs, down from 85 percent. For instance, an OSAP recipient facing $10,000 in tuition previously could get $8,500 in grants that didn’t need repayment. Under these new rules, that same student would only qualify for $2,500 in grants.

The government claims these changes will redirect funds towards supporting colleges and universities. However, Slote and other students believe this will lead to more debt and higher educational expenses.

An honours student hoping to further her studies at the University of Waterloo in social work, Slote now finds herself questioning whether she can continue her education due to OSAP’s modifications.

This Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford defended the changes made to OSAP. He stated that the former plan was “unsustainable” and argued that the new approach still “takes care” of those most vulnerable-especially if they qualify for additional grants from schools or federal programs.

‘Basket-weaving’ Comments Are ‘Disrespectful’

<p Earlier this week, Ford mentioned he received thousands of calls from worried students but advised those concerned about funding alterations not to "pick basket-weaving courses." He explained that since taxpayers finance individuals' education, OSAP recipients should focus on fields tied to future job markets.

To Slote, it all seems like self-sabotage. She pointed out that there’s a strong need for social workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals and questioned who will take on those roles if students like her can’t afford an education.

“For everyone who’s affected by this,” Slote remarked, “it feels like such a punch in the gut and absolutely disrespectful”-especially when considering the premier’s remarks regarding basket weaving.

Marcelle Slote, 25, is a Mohawk College social work student from Hamilton. Slote relies on social assistance and says changes to Ontario’s student loan program could make education unaffordable for her. (Submitted by Jonah Atkins)

Slote-who coincidentally attended a basket-making workshop organized by Mohawk’s Indigenous Student Services on Thursday-found those comments felt “pointed” and “unnecessary.”

WATCH | Hear Ford’s comments about ‘basket-weaving courses’:

Ford responds to student complaints over OSAP funding changes

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he has been fielding thousands of complaints since the province announced sweeping changes to its OSAP program. He’s urging students not to pick “basket-weaving courses,” but instead invest in education geared towards jobs in demand like health care or trades.

The comments seemed dismissive toward an Indigenous tradition according to Slote who added they “[undervalue] the power that creativity, art, humanities can afford our province.”

P>An Indigenous basket-maker from Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation told CBC London he found Ford’s remarks disrespectful since he makes a good living selling his crafts.

CBC Hamilton reached out to ask what advice might be given by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for someone in Slote’s financial position but did not get a response before publication.

“If the premier wants to encourage people to give back to the province,” Slote suggested,” he needs to get on the ground himself and see what these students are striving for.”