Students in Ottawa Take to the Streets to Protest OSAP Changes

Ottawa students protest OSAP amid concerns that new tuition and grant rules will increase student debt and reduce access to post-secondary education. Dozens of students gathered outside the University of Ottawa to voice their opposition to the provincial government’s OSAP changes. (Charlatan)

On March 4, 2026, students rallied outside the Morisset Library, joined by campus groups including the Carleton University Students’ Association, University of Ottawa Students’ Union, and local organizers like the Student Mobilization Committee Ottawa. Protesters chanted slogans such as “No cuts, no fees, no private universities” and “Education is a right.” (Charlatan)

The Ottawa protest was part of a province-wide movement, with hundreds of students also rallying at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Two individuals were arrested after clashes with police. (CityNews Ottawa)

What Has Changed in OSAP?

The provincial government, led by Premier Doug Ford, announced major changes to OSAP in February 2026:

• Students are eligible for a maximum of 25% of funding in grants, down from 85%.
• The remaining 75% is issued as loans.
• Colleges and universities may raise tuition by up to 2% per year. (CityNews Ottawa)

Officials say the changes aim to make OSAP more sustainable. Critics argue they unfairly increase financial pressure on students, many of whom already face high housing and living costs. (CityNews Ottawa)

Voices from the Front Lines

Students shared their concerns about how the changes will impact their futures:

• Shantina Tonack, a second-year University of Ottawa student, said the cuts may worsen financial hardship for families like hers. (Charlatan)
• Campus leaders warned that Indigenous students and low-income learners are most at risk, as grant reductions could make higher education unaffordable. (Charlatan)

Organizers emphasize that the March 4 protest is just the beginning. Planned actions include banner painting, letter-writing campaigns, walkouts, and future rallies throughout Ontario. (Charlatan)

High School Students Join the Call

High school students in Ottawa and other Ontario communities have also walked out of class to protest the OSAP restructuring. They argue the changes could threaten their ability to pursue post-secondary education in the future. (Yahoo News Canada)

What Comes Next?

Student unions, provincial opposition parties, and advocacy groups like the Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario are pushing back against the reforms. Critics warn that higher student debt could discourage young people from attending post-secondary school, limiting long-term economic opportunities. (Ontario NDP)

As protests continue in Ottawa and across Ontario, students and supporters keep the spotlight on how OSAP changes affect education access.