QUEEN’S PARK – MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner introduced a motion to shrink student debt and reverse the Ford government’s OSAP changes by removing interest on student loans and converting all funding to grants for low- and middle-income students.
“Kids growing up in Ontario today are already staring down a daunting future. Youth unemployment is at an all-time high, rent and groceries are more expensive than ever, and young people are wondering if they will ever own a home” said Schreiner.
“We should be working to shrink student debt and remove barriers for young people. These are our future workers, leaders and changemakers. Ontario’s future depends on their success.
“But the government is making it even harder to afford an education in Ontario by sticking students with tens of thousands of dollars of debt.
“For years, the government has underfunded Ontario’s postsecondary sector to the brink of collapse. Now, they are forcing students to pay the price, and it’s going to hurt low- and middle-income students and families the most.
“It’s time to level the playing field so that everyone can afford their education.
“Passing this motion is an opportunity for the government to stop propping up the wealthy and well-connected and start standing with the people of this province.”