March 2026
In regards to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to reduce the amount of OSAP designated as grants from 85% to 25%, it’s regrettable that for those who are able to secure a spot in a post-secondary institution, many will have to incur more debt to obtain that degree/diploma. Some who do not have any financial resources beyond OSAP may not be able to continue their education, and that is unfortunate.
That said, I reminded my daughter that nothing is free in this world. Just because you don’t have to personally reach into your wallet, doesn’t mean that someone else isn’t paying the bill. That “free” money you are getting from OSAP is paid for by taxpayers across the province. That’s why your pay stub will include a list of the taxes taken off your paycheque, even for students working a part-time job after school, that go to pay for all the social services we enjoy, including OSAP. Fortunately, there are ways to get that higher education that don’t include depending on OSAP.
The most responsible thing that a parent can do is to start an RESP for their children; the sooner the better. That RESP, one that the government does contribute to a small degree, doesn’t have to be big enough to fund an entire 4-year program. Even a small amount of money will prove helpful, so if your financial resources are limited, . Additionally, there are few reasons why the student couldn’t get part-time job to contribute financially, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their studies. I was extremely fortunate that I my parents put money aside to pay for my university education, but I still worked every summer and during the school year as a naval reservist so I could contribute as well. As a result, I was debt-free when I graduated.
There are also numerous bursaries and scholarships out there that students can apply to receive (paid for by the sponsor, so the nothing is “free” comment above still applies). Sometimes you have to go looking for them, but they are available to eligible applicants. There are also apprenticeships in the skilled trades and the Canadian Armed Forces, who will not only partially or fully fund your education, they will also guarantee you a job after you graduate.
Maybe your best option would be to spend a few years in the workforce so that you can save up some money. If you’re really lucky, that job may have a tuition program to assist you, or an internal education program that may turn that “temporary” job into a career. I occasionally remind people that companies like McDonalds or Tim Hortons have internal, fully-funded management training programs that can lead to a very rewarding career, either in the restaurant itself, or in the corporate offices.
That cashier asking “Do you want fries with that?” might become the CEO in 20 years.
Regardless of what I think though, it bares stating to all you students out there protesting for the “free” money for your education, including some who advocate for the elimination of all tuition fees, that you need to be prepared to pay for all the generations behind you who will also be getting a “free” education. Will you still feel that students should get a “free” education then?
While an educated workforce is desirable, a “free” post-secondary education is not a right. It’s frankly human nature that if you have a financial interest in something, you tend to work harder to ensure the success of that venture.
