On February 12, 2026, the provincial government announced an overall investment of $6.4 billion over four years and an increase in annual operating funding to $7 billion. However, this will be accompanied by notable changes to the OSAP structure, where the maximum proportion of funding Ontario students can receive as non-repayable grants will decrease from 85% to only 25% with the remaining provided as repayable loans. There will also be an updated tuition framework lifting the tuition freeze and allowing up to a 2 percent increase per year for three years, then up to 2 percent or three-year average rate of inflation, whichever is less, in the years following. 

While BUSU recognizes that increased investment in the post-secondary sector is both necessary and overdue, we are deeply disappointed that these steps are shifting the government’s financial burden onto students through massive cuts to student funding. This change risks disproportionately impacting students from diverse and lower-income households, increasing student debt at a time when affordability and financial insecurity are already pressing concerns.

BUSU is calling for an immediate reversal of these cuts to OSAP and will be pursuing any avenues we can find to make a difference for students. BUSU will also continue working with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) to advocate for changes to the Ministry’s announced plan. OUSA is currently seeking direct dialogue with the Ministry to discuss the anticipated impacts of these reforms and to present student-centered recommendations. OUSA has also spoken publicly about these concerns through media outlets, including Newstalk 1010, Guelph Today, University Affairs, CBC, Toronto Star, CP24, and others. In addition, OUSA is launching a province-wide letter-writing campaign to MPPs and an open letter addressing the proposed OSAP changes.

If you have a story to share about how these changes to OSAP will impact you, please email vpea@brockbusu.ca. Your stories will go a long way in making sure the province understands the real impacts of these decisions.

Students are the future of Ontario. Amid rising youth unemployment rates and an increasingly precarious labour market, it is critical that post-secondary funding reforms prioritize affordability, accessibility, equitability, and long-term financial stability for students and graduates.

BUSU remains committed to advocating for policies that protect students and ensure that post-secondary education remains accessible to all. We will continue to provide updates on our advocacy efforts as new information becomes available.

Sincerely, 
Aaditya Gupta 
Vice-President, External Affairs 
Brock University Students’ Union