SATTLER: Ford’s budget brings more bad news for post-secondary students, workers

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities Peggy Sattler (London West) says the Ford government’s 2026 budget came with more bad news for the province’s post-secondary education students and workers.

“Thursday’s budget revealed the truth behind Doug Ford’s so-called historic investment in post-secondary education,” said Sattler.

“Not only does the budget cut $70 million from post-secondary education this year, and $1.5 billion by 2028-29, it also shows that $385 million went unspent last year — while 10,000 college workers were laid off, student services were reduced, and at least 700 college programs were cancelled at Algonquin, Fanshawe, George Brown, Humber and more.

“Students from low and moderate income families will be hurt the most, as money is moved out of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) grants to pay the costs of Ford’s underfunding. Many will be forced to reconsider their post-secondary education to avoid a lifetime debt sentence, driving enrolment down in whatever in-demand programs remain.

“Cutting funding, and leaving money on the table as our post-secondary education system crumbles is unjustifiable. The Premier needs to answer for why he’s denying Ontario students and education workers the opportunities they deserve, and that our economy depends on.”