On October 6, 2026, the Ontario government announced a pause on OSAP payments associated with private postsecondary institutions while it investigates concerns about the integrity of the program.

We recognize the government’s responsibility to investigate suspected misuse of public funds and protect the integrity of OSAP. However, the payment pause is also affecting students who applied for assistance, enrolled in their programs, and began attending classes in reliance on the funding framework that existed when they made those decisions.

For some students, the consequences are immediate and severe. They face unexpected tuition obligations, financial hardship, potential withdrawal from their programs, and the possibility of taking on additional debt to complete an education they had already begun.

Students should not have to choose between basic necessities and continuing their education because of a funding disruption they did not cause.

Why we are asking for judicial review

We call for qualified Ontario administrative-law counsel to investigate and, where legally supportable, pursue judicial review of the government’s decision to pause OSAP payments to private postsecondary institutions.

We ask counsel to examine whether the decision was authorized by law, whether the government followed applicable procedural requirements, whether the impact on existing students was lawfully and fairly considered, and whether less harmful transitional measures were available.

We also ask counsel to assess whether affected students have grounds to seek interim relief or other appropriate remedies from the court.

This petition does not presume that the government’s decision is unlawful. It calls for independent legal scrutiny of a decision with serious consequences for students who relied on the existing funding system.

What we are asking for

We respectfully call for:

A legal assessment and potential judicial review of the October 6, 2026 OSAP payment pause and any related decisions affecting existing students.
Urgent consideration of interim relief, where legally available, to prevent avoidable harm while the legality of the government’s actions is assessed.
Protection for eligible students already enrolled before the announcement, subject to appropriate institutional compliance and individual eligibility requirements.
Transparent approval criteria and timelines for institutions whose OSAP status is under review.
An independent, individualized review process for affected students who face the loss of their education or serious financial hardship.
Public-interest legal representation or coordinated legal support for students who cannot afford to challenge the decision individually.
Students support accountability

We are not asking the government to ignore fraud, misconduct, or misuse of public money. We support appropriate investigations and enforcement.

We are asking that legitimate students not automatically bear the full financial consequences of a system-wide response without a clear explanation, a fair process, and meaningful consideration of their circumstances.

Our call to action

If you are an affected student, a legal professional, an educator, or someone who believes public decisions should be subject to lawful and transparent scrutiny, please sign and share this petition.

We call on Ontario’s legal community to assess whether a coordinated judicial review is viable, identify potential applicants, and help affected students understand their rights and options.

Education should not become financially inaccessible overnight without transparency, accountability, and a fair process for the students caught in the middle.