Tuition in Ontario is ridiculous. Students are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars in debt before they even land their first job. A lot of us are watching friends and classmates give up on university or college not because they aren’t smart enough — but because they simply can’t afford it.

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) isn’t cutting it either. Too many students fall through the cracks — not poor enough to get full aid, not rich enough to pay out of pocket.

Education is a right, not a privilege. Every student in Ontario should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without the crushing burden of debt hanging over their heads. Yet, many capable minds are being forced to abandon their dreams due to the prohibitive costs associated with post-secondary education. It is heartbreaking to see potential go unrealized solely because of financial barriers.

In 2021, the average university tuition in Ontario was approximately $7,938 per year—a staggering amount for many families. The cost of living, textbooks, and additional fees only add to the burden, pushing education further out of reach for many deserving students. According to Statistics Canada, from 2015 to 2021, tuition fees in Ontario have risen by nearly 10%, outpacing inflation and wage growth, leaving students and their families struggling to keep up.

We urge the Ontario government to take comprehensive action to make post-secondary education affordable for all. This includes reducing tuition fees, expanding OSAP to provide adequate support irrespective of a family's financial background, and investing in educational institutions to alleviate additional costs students face.

Easing the financial burden on students will lead to a more educated, skilled, and competitive workforce—benefitting not just the individuals but the province as a whole. It is imperative that we come together to challenge this system and create a more equitable future where education is accessible for everyone.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from the Ontario government. Let’s fight for an education system that values potential over privilege, and creates opportunities for every student to succeed.