As part of a protest across the province to urge officials to undo cuts to OSAP grant funding, students in Simcoe County stood together in the rain.
High schoolers in Barrie swapped their textbooks for protest signs on Wednesday, opposing the Ontario government’s proposed changes to the student financial aid program.
Kausthubh Abhilash, a grade 12 student at Bear Creek Secondary School, was among those demonstrating with fervor.
“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!”
Student protest Simcoe County students group together in protest of the Ontario government’s cuts to OSAP funding on Wed., March 11, 2026. ( /Rob Cooper)
The rain didn’t deter hundreds of young people from advocating for what they believe is an unfair approach to funding education.
According to the government’s new plan, 25 percent of post-secondary school funding would come as grants while 75 percent would be loans requiring repayment.
The students made it clear how unacceptable this situation is for 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.”
Student with sign A Simcoe County student holds a sign in protest of the Ontario government’s cuts to OSAP funding on Wed., March 11, 2026. ( /Rob Cooper)
The students gathered peacefully yet passionately 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, shared her thoughts about her uncertain educational future.
“It will affect my plan. I have spent over 12 years in education. Now my post-secondary life is affected.”
Student with sign A Simcoe County student holds a sign in protest of the Ontario government’s cuts to OSAP funding on Wed., March 11, 2026. ( /Rob Cooper)
Many young students worry about the debt they’ll face when they graduate and hope that the Ford government reconsiders its proposed changes.
Ava Carter, an Eastview Secondary School grade 11 student, is weighing her options regarding post-secondary education.
“I’m thinking tuition. I’m thinking like should I stay in my hometown to get rid of extra costs.. I might not be going to a better program.”
The protesting students insisted they won’t stop pushing for change regarding OSAP from the Ontario government and hinted that more protests could be planned in upcoming months.
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Student with sign A Simcoe County student holds a sign in protest of the Ontario government’s cuts to OSAP funding on Wed., March 11, 2026. ( /Rob Cooper)
The students gathered peacefully yet passionately 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, shared her thoughts about her uncertain educational future.
“It will affect my plan. I have spent over 12 years in education. Now my post-secondary life is affected.”
Student with sign A Simcoe County student holds a sign in protest of the Ontario government’s cuts to OSAP funding on Wed., March 11, 2026. ( /Rob Cooper)
Many young students worry about the debt they’ll face when they graduate and hope that the Ford government reconsiders its proposed changes.
Ava Carter, an Eastview Secondary School grade 11 student, is weighing her options regarding post-secondary education.
“I’m thinking tuition. I’m thinking like should I stay in my hometown to get rid of extra costs.. I might not be going to a better program.”
The protesting students insisted they won’t stop pushing for change regarding OSAP from the Ontario government and hinted that more protests could be planned in upcoming months.
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