Doug Ford calls students protesting OSAP changes 'so naive' — says they should be 'thanking the government' after protests at U of T, Carleton, York

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized students protesting changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), calling them 'naive' during a press conference in Peterborough. He suggested students should appreciate government support instead of protesting.¹²³⁴

The protests, which occurred at universities including U of T, Carleton, and York, were sparked by significant changes to OSAP funding. In February, the Ford government lifted a tuition freeze and reduced grant funding from 85% to 25%, raising concerns about the affordability of post-secondary education in Ontario.

Ford remarked, “These kids are so naive,” and criticized students for following social media narratives without understanding the facts. He urged them to focus on their studies, stating, “The ones that study, you’re going to be successful because the number one thing you need when you leave university or college is a good-paying job.”

Student groups, however, argue that the changes are detrimental. Jarrid Norris from the Student Mobilization Committee expressed that students are “very fed up” and highlighted the rising costs of education, stating, “We’re seeing the deferring of costs onto students when students have are already at their limit with tuition, with cost of living, with housing.” Norris described OSAP as a “lifeline for many students” and emphasized the need for grants instead of loans.

Ford did acknowledge a $38-million investment towards Trent University to fund additional seats in STEM, health, and trades programs, asserting that Ontario has the “brightest students in the world.”