Ford calls Ontario students protesting aid cuts 'naive' and says they act 'like a herd'

TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stirred fresh controversy after sharply criticizing thousands of university and college students who took part in protests against cuts to government financial aid and higher tuition fees.

Ford described some students as naive and influenced by what is posted on social media, saying they are being drawn in by calls to leave their classrooms without thinking about their future careers.

His remarks came on Monday at a news conference in Peterborough, four days after protests were held at educational institutions across the province demanding a reversal of changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Ford: Go back to class

Ford said some students are relying on misleading information posted on social media before deciding to join mass protests.

He compared their walkout from universities to herd behaviour and urged them to focus on their studies instead of demonstrating.

He said that getting a well-paid job after graduation should be students' priority, and encouraged them to choose science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, as well as health care.

At the same time, he praised the calibre of Ontario students, calling them among the most outstanding in the world, despite his criticism of the way some of them have voiced their objections.

Particular anger at Trent University students

Ford singled out Trent University students for additional criticism, noting that his government announced a $100-million investment in October to develop the university's facilities.

The investment includes two new student residences and additional academic space, providing on-campus housing for about 1,400 students.

Ford said students should appreciate these investments rather than take part in protests, adding that his government is providing substantial funding to develop post-secondary education.

However, the protesters are focusing their objections on the cost of study and future debt, not only on the scale of investment in buildings and facilities.

Grants cut from 85 to 25 per cent

The dispute stems from changes the Ontario government announced last February, lowering the maximum share of non-repayable grants within OSAP assistance from 85 to 25 per cent.

Under the new system, loans that students must repay after graduation make up a larger share of total assistance.

The government also lifted the tuition freeze that had been in place for seven years, allowing universities and colleges to raise fees by up to two per cent a year over the next three years.

The government justifies the measures by pointing to the rising cost of the program, saying the previous system was no longer financially sustainable.

Students, for their part, say the changes will increase graduates' debt and put added pressure on low-income families.

Thousands of students join protests

On Thursday, Nov. 5, thousands of students walked out of classrooms at a number of universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa.

Participants carried signs calling on the government not to cut education and student aid, while student unions called for grants to be restored and for borrowing burdens to be reduced.

The chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario, Sirielle Njelika, said students refuse to keep paying higher fees while relying more and more on loans.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford's policy and called for immediate support for affected students.

Investigations into suspected OSAP misuse

The protests coincide with a suspension of program payments to private educational institutions, after concerning indicators emerged during an audit being carried out by KPMG.

The concerns include unusual funding applications and possible problems verifying student enrolment and attendance.

The ministry referred some of the findings to the Ontario Provincial Police, though this does not mean wrongdoing has been established against all institutions.

Ford said his government will pursue those responsible for any fraud that is proven, and indicated that new reforms to how the program is administered could be announced next week.

However, the funding suspension has left students at institutions that follow the rules struggling to pay tuition and rent, and has prompted warnings that some colleges could close.

The standoff between the Ford government and students continues, with the authorities holding to their financial reforms and the protesters insisting on protecting educational opportunities and reducing debt.