March 2nd, 2026

The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) is deeply concerned about the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) that will take effect starting in the 2026 / 27 academic year. These changes substantially reduce the proportion of financial aid provided as grants to post-secondary students, and significantly increase the amount offered as loans. Under the new structure, grants will make up only 25 per cent of total financial aid, while loans will account for 75 per cent. This marks a major shift from the previous system, in which students could receive up to 85 per cent of their aid as grants and only 15 per cent as loans. Ultimately, this change will leave students with significantly greater debt upon graduation.

The implications of these changes on students cannot be overstated – students in Ontario will no longer be able to afford an education. On the heels of Bill 33, this serves as another reminder that Doug Ford and the Ontario government do not respect postsecondary students or publicly funded education.

We share the concerns of every student affected by this announcement, and are committed to ongoing advocacy at municipal and provincial levels in support of all students impacted by the recent OSAP restructuring.

We encourage students to join the TCSA at the Hands Off Our Education Rally on Wednesday, March 4. We have organized buses to transport students to Queen’s Park for the day, and are hosting a rally in Peterborough for those who cannot attend the Toronto protest. Find the sign-up link through our Instagram bio (@thetcsa), or on the TCSA App.

In solidarity,

The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Executive Team