Returning to school after years of contributing to society and working toward a better future for myself and my family was a decision I made with seriousness and responsibility. I worked, paid taxes, and gave my time and effort to the workforce and community before choosing education as the next step toward long-term stability. Like many students  especially those in single-income households or balancing family responsibilities, student aid is the foundation that makes my education realistically possible.

Programs like Ontario Student Assistance Program are the reason I was able to complete my college diploma. That support made graduation achievable. Today, I am one year into a degree program but because grants have been reduced and loan burdens increased, I am seriously questioning whether continuing is financially responsible. The growing debt load is becoming harder to justify, even though my goal is to finish and contribute at a higher level through my education.

Recent changes to student aid,  particularly reductions in grants and a shift toward heavier loan burdens create real risk for students who are already stretching every dollar to stay enrolled. These changes threaten the ability of many responsible, hardworking students to continue their education and improve their lives.

When grants are reduced and loans increase, the burden shifts directly onto students’ futures. Higher debt discourages participation, delays financial independence, and places additional pressure on families who are already doing their best in a difficult economy. Supporting students is not just compassionate policy it is sound economic investment in a skilled, educated future workforce.

Students should be supported, not deterred  from pursuing higher education. Fair and accessible student aid strengthens communities, families, and the province as a whole.

I am calling on policymakers to protect fair access to student aid by restoring meaningful grant support, keeping loan burdens reasonable, and ensuring funding structures reflect the real financial challenges students face today. We are people, not profit margins. 

Your signature helps protect educational opportunity and fairness for Canadian students who are working to build a better future. Please sign and share if you agree.