Waterloo Students Protest OSAP Changes

About 1,000 students at the University of Waterloo left their classes on Wednesday at 11 a. m. for a campus-wide protest.

The crowd gathered in the Arts Quad outside of the Dana Porter Library at UW’s main campus, many holding signs that read “[Premier] Doug Ford failed college, failed students” and “Tuition rises yet OSAP is cut?”

WATCH | University of Waterloo students stage a walkout to protest changes to OSAP:

University of Waterloo students stage a walkout to protest changes to OSAP

Approximately 1,000 students from the University of Waterloo walked out of class Wednesday morning, assembling in the Arts Quad to voice their opposition against proposed changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. This protest was part of a wider day of action happening across Ontario.

At one point during the gathering, attendees began marching and chanting, “We will not give up the fight, education is a right.”

The students are urging the provincial government to reverse its plans regarding changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Last month, Ford announced that modifications would take effect starting this fall.

Around 1,000 students walked out of class Wednesday to protest cuts to OSAP planned for the fall. They gathered in the Arts Quad where they marched and chanted and listened to speakers. (J. P. Webster/CBC)

Currently, students can receive up to 85 percent of their financial aid as grants while loans cover the remaining 15 percent. Starting this fall, however, grants will account for only about 25 percent of student aid according to provincial announcements.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles recently urged Ford to “reverse course” on these changes.

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research, Excellence and Security told that these adjustments represent an investment since post-secondary education benefits outweigh financial burdens.

Arwyn James, a third-year gender and social justice student at UW, attended Wednesday’s protest because they are “entirely funded by OSAP.”

“Without OSAP I cannot do the studying that I love and enjoy,” James said, adding Ford is “threatening not only my future but the future of every poor individual who needs OSAP.”

Arwyn James is a University of Waterloo student who says they are entirely funded by OSAP. (J. P. Webster/CBC)

Ava Mc Dermad, who’s in her second year studying arts and business at UW came out because she believes “it’s everyone’s right to have an education.”

“It’s very unfortunate-putting it lightly-that Doug Ford thinks he can take away our opportunities,” she shared with .

Mc Dermad expressed pride in joining fellow protesters.

“Make your voices heard even if you don’t think Doug Ford is going to listen. It’s worth a shot,” she advised.

Ava Mc Dermad is a University of Waterloo student who says she’s proud of the approximately 1,000 students who showed up for a protest on Wednesday on campus. (J. P. Webster/CBC)

Protest planned at Queen’s Park

This past Monday saw students from both University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University along with other campuses across Ontario participating in red square day.>

Simple red felt squares were distributed for participants to pin onto their shirts-a symbol used by Quebec students back in February 2012 when protesting tuition hikes there.>

The student strike at UW coincided with demonstrations happening simultaneously at Queen’s Park in Toronto.>

The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario (CFSO) encouraged all students and supporters alike to speak out against these changes made affecting OSAP.>WATCH | Students at Queen’s Park protest OSAP cuts:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1773827263_866_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/

Students at Queen’s Park protest Ford’s OSAP cuts

A crowd numbering hundreds rallied together outside Queen’s Park on Wednesday protesting Doug Ford’s reductions made towards Ontario’s Student Assistance Program according details provided by CBC’s Ali Chiasson.

The federation stated ahead prior announcing protests: “In light amid youth unemployment crisis alongside increasingly unstable job market-this harmful decision means more graduating without necessary finances causing further strain.”

Taking buses organized through Central Student Association those attending included peers from Guelph planning participation too during events held Toronto area.

“The vibe among fellow classmates feels charged; expressing sentiments such as ‘I’m so angry’ or ‘I’m really upset,'” lead organizer Rebecca Hallett shared about discussions during town halls leading up event festivities.
“Pushing forward fueled anger ignites passion within numerous individuals eager change addressed since issues affect everyone involved,” Hallett commented speaking previously concerning effects felt beyond those qualifying directly associated programs like assistance grants.

“Regardless personal qualification status typically still impacted tuition increases seen throughout educational institutions today.” She elaborated explaining stories shared reflecting concerns voiced relatives friends entering higher educational pursuits indicating wide-reaching impact resulting from funding alterations occurred recently.

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