Ontario Liberal MPPs used a Kingston caucus meeting to rally opposition to recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
The Ontario Liberal caucus, which currently holds 14 seats at Queen’s Park, met in Kingston from Feb. 23 to 25 so they could prepare for the next legislative session on March 23. According to a press release issued Feb. 19, the caucus convened to shape its priorities, with discussions focused on housing supply, healthcare access, education, and the economy.
The caucus also discussed recent announcements related to post-secondary, including the removal of the tuition freeze and changes to OSAP. In the past, up to 85 per cent of OSAP funding could come in the form of grants. Now, only receiving 25 per cent of funding can come in grants, meaning a minimum of 75 per cent of total OSAP funding will be in loans.
During a media availability outside Grant Hall at 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 24, multiple MPPs spoke with The Journal after recording a segment on campus.
At the availability, the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) announced a province-wide campaign titled “Fix OSAP ASAP,” including a petition that had collected more than 9,000 signatures. MPP Stephanie Smyth said the OLP plans to bring the petition to Queen’s Park when the legislature resumes.
“We’re trying to amplify those voices of students,” MPP Adil Shamji said. “This is the beginning of our fight, not the end.”
MPP Tyler Watt said his office has received more than 100 emails from constituents whose financial plans for the fall have been disrupted. He argued the changes will make it harder for young people to enter the workforce and could undermine Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
“Those that are already going through school now have had the carpet ripped out from underneath them,” Watt said. “Those that are thinking of going to university and college […] now have to rethink everything.”
MPP John Fraser, interim leader of the OLP, said that “the most important thing we can do in the global economy is have the most highly educated and trained workforce in the world.”
The OLP also criticized elements of Bill 33, provincial legislation proposing changes to post-secondary governance, including proposed merit-based provisions in post-secondary admissions and measures affecting student unions. MPP for Kingston and the Islands Ted Hsu said universities already operate on merit and suggested the government’s framing risks being divisive.
“Getting into programs isn’t just about looking at a score,” MPP Rob Cerjanec added during the media availability, noting that diverse experiences strengthen classroom environments.
Hsu, who hosted the meeting, said the city’s strong post-secondary presence made it a fitting location for the caucus discussion.
“We’re just talking about how to get ready for the next session of the Ontario Legislature and how to help the people of Ontario,” Ted Hsu said.
Fraser and Hsu emphasized that the upcoming Ontario Liberal leadership race allows members to shape party direction, encouraging students to get involved.
“In a leadership race, you tell the party what direction you want it to go in,” Hsu said.
The Ontario Legislature is scheduled to resume on March 23.
—With files from Lilly Meechan
Corrections
A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the number of seats held by the Ontario Liberal caucus at Queen’s Park.
Incorrect information appeared in the Feb. 27 issue of The Queen’s Journal.
The Journal regrets the error
Tags
2026 OSAP Changes, Ontario Liberal Party, Party caucus, Ted Hsu
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