|
QUEEN'S PARK — Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition Ontario NDP, and Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities Peggy Sattler (London West) are standing in solidarity with Ontario students who are walking out of classes today, in protest of the Ford government's devastating cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP):
"Doug Ford has spent this year attacking students," said Stiles. "The Premier baselessly claimed that they were abusing the OSAP system, only for Ontarians to find out that it was his own government's incompetence that was causing the harm.
"We called on Doug Ford to come up with a plan to provide immediate relief to students who need financial assistance. He and his government refused. They've made it clear that they have no interest in helping the Ontario students they've pulled the rug out from under. Now, the Premier has no choice but to hear their voices."
"We are with Ontario students in solidarity and support," said Sattler. "What Doug Ford and Minister Nolan Quinn have done to them is unacceptable. They ignored red flags from private career colleges for years, only to turn around and point the finger at every student in Ontario, punishing them all for the actions of a few.
"These students are telling the Ford government in no uncertain terms that they will not accept these callous and punitive cuts. They have every right to a future here in Ontario, without a lifetime debt sentence. We are with them today, and every day, as we fight these cruel cuts to OSAP."
"Ontario New Democrats are proud to stand with these students," added Stiles. "We're inspired by them using their voices to tell Doug Ford that what he's done to them won't stand. The Premier should hear them; fire this incompetent Minister if he won't resign, and save the OSAP program so our next generation can build the future we all deserve."
|