OSAP Is Ours
Recent cuts to OSAP have made education less accessible and Ontario’s students are feeling the consequences. In partnership with student unions across Ontario, IGNITE is calling on the provincial government to make OSAP better.
Why OSAP?
OSAP helps many students access college and university. But in February 2026, the provincial government cut grants by over 70% and shifted more aid to loans. We’re fighting for a fairer, more accessible OSAP and bringing your voices straight to decision-makers.
What Are We Trying to Achieve?
The Government of Ontario must restore OSAP grant funding and create a stronger program for students. Here’s how they can do it.
Reverse the Cuts
The provincial government should reverse the 2026 OSAP cuts and restore grant funding to previous levels. Listening to student feedback and making sustainable updates to the program will create consistency for students, institutions, and the government.
Extend the Grace Period
The current grace period gives students six months before OSAP loan payments begin. Extending it to 12 months would give graduates more time to secure stable income before repayment begins.
Create a Retention Grant
The provincial government should forgive a portion of student loans to encourage graduates to build their careers in Ontario. Retaining highly qualified graduates is essential for a strong workforce and economy.
Remove Interest on Loans
Interest on provincial student loans holds graduates back. Eliminating student loan interest would free up graduates’ finances, letting them invest in their futures earlier while boosting Ontario’s economic growth.
What students are saying
Hear directly from real Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students about how defunding OSAP impacts them.
Why It Matters
Results from the preliminary survey by the College Student Alliance show that students are significantly impacted by the overhaul of OSAP.
70%
Surveyed students feel that OSAP changes will significantly impact their academic decisions.
49%
Almost half of college student respondents’ main concern was the long-term debt burden they will carry after graduation.
40%
The percentage of college students who considered taking a break from their education.
Timelines and Milestones
Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Explore the OSAP advocacy timeline to understand how IGNITE is working for you.
February 2026
Feb. 12: The Ontario government announced cuts to OSAP, with Premier Doug Ford defending the decision and criticizing programs he said did not lead to in-demand jobs.
Feb. 23: IGNITE responded by delivering a woven basket and letter to Premier Ford’s office, urging the government to reconsider the cuts and sharing student data and impact stories.
March 2026
March 4 & March 24: IGNITE, Humber, and UofGH students attended OSAP rallies at Queen’s Park, including a rally followed by the NDP’s Save OSAP Town Hall.
March 12: IGNITE participated in an NDP Save OSAP Town Hall to share real student testimonials.
March 17: IGNITE met with MPPs Fairclough and Watt at Lakeshore Campus to discuss student impact at Humber and UofGH.
March 31: Student Advocates participated in Opposition Day, filling the gallery at Queen’s Park.
April 2026
April 22: CSA launched an OSAP Survey to collect student feedback on the program cuts.
April 27: IGNITE met with MPP Sattler and CSA to discuss advocacy priorities and share preliminary OSAP survey results.
May 2026
May 8-9: IGNITE attended CSA’s annual May Conference and voted to establish tuition and financial aid as one of CSA’s 2026-27 advocacy priorities.
May 19: IGNITE shared our OSAP Estimator research with MPP Fairclough to demonstrate how OSAP cuts affect students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances.
June 2026
June 24: IGNITE met with Humber President Vaughan to present research on the OSAP Estimator and recommend ways to improve student affordability and access. President Vaughan was receptive to our advocacy efforts and committed to working with IGNITE.
June 22: Student Advocates contacted Ontario student unions to gather feedback and support on a series of recommendations designed to improve OSAP. Unions agreed to send a joint letter.
October 2026
Oct. 1: IGNITE delivered the co-signed letter to Premier Ford’s constituency office. Five student associations signed the letter, representing almost 100,000 students.
Oct. 5: Student Advocates attended MPP Watt’s roundtable at Queen’s Park, where IGNITE presented OSAP impact stories and data showing that students are accessing food insecurity support at a much higher rate than in previous years.
Students Write Back
Speak up for change! Stand with IGNITE and partner student unions by contacting your MPP. Email them, visit their office, and join us on campus to sign a letter demanding change. Every action counts.
Make your voice impossible to ignore at the Students Write Back campaign stops. Sign a pre-written letter or share your story on a postcard. We’ll make sure your message lands on your MPPs desk at Queen’s Park. IGNITE will provide the stamps; you just need to provide your story.
Learn how to find your MPP, meet your student leaders, and even learn what your handwriting says about you!
FAQs
Find answers to your questions here. Learn more about the OSAP Is Ours campaign, OSAP changes, which student unions support this call to action, and more. Reach out to us directly if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How can I support OSAP Is Ours Campaign?
Speak up and speak out! Join IGNITE at our on-campus letter writing events. We’re providing students with pre-written letter templates featuring recommendations for the government to adopt, and blank postcards that you can use to tell your personal OSAP story. IGNITE will help you identify your MPP and mail the letter on your behalf. We’ll provide the pen, paper and stamp, all you need is your signature.
What is an MPP and how can I find mine?
MPPs are Members of the Provincial Parliament. They’re elected representatives that represent you in Ontario’s Legislative Assembly. Everyone lives in a designated riding, and each riding has an MPP. You can easily find out who your MPP is by searching with your home address.
What changes did the government make to OSAP in 2026?
The most significant change was a shift from grant-based aid to loan-based aid. Before, the maximum provincial grant portion of OSAP was 85% and the loan portion was 25%. Now, the minimum loan portion is 75%, and students can only receive up to 25% of their OSAP as a grant. The announcement also ended Ontario’s tuition freeze, allowing colleges and universities to charge higher tuition fees for their programs.
I’m an international student, can I still support this campaign?
Absolutely! Every single student’s voice helps push our recommendations forward. Changes to how students, colleges and universities are funded affect us all.
Why “OSAP is Ours”?
OSAP is Ours means students deserve to be involved in decisions that affect them now and long-term. The provincial government made sweeping changes to OSAP without student feedback or involvement. Now students are facing the consequences. OSAP Is Ours reminds us that we have a right to be heard, supported, and given a fair chance to succeed.
Which student unions joined the co-signed letter to MPPs?
IGNITE Student Union, Georgian College Students’ Association, George Brown Student Association, Fleming Student Administrative Council, Canadore Students’ Council, and Sault College Students’ Union.
In the News
When Students Come Together, We Can Create Real Change
IGNITES’s success comes down to the engagement of the Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber student body. Check out our current active initiatives and make your voice heard!