Advocacy Insights: April

Ontario Student Voices (OSV) has sent letters congratulating all newly elected and re-elected MPPs and has engaged with the Premier, key ministers, and party leaders to advance our advocacy priorities. As we approach Budget 2025, we look forward to continuing these conversations and ensuring that student voices are reflected in government decision-making.

Advocacy Priorities for Key Ministers

Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities

OSV underscored the need for increased investment in post-secondary education, particularly in:

• Expanding mental health resources on campuses to support student well-being.

• Increasing operating grants for colleges and universities to protect essential programs.

• Eliminating interest on student loans to ease financial burdens on graduates.

• Ensuring meaningful student consultations in the upcoming 2027-28 funding model review.

  
  

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development

OSV emphasized the critical role that post-secondary students play in Ontario’s workforce and economy. We highlighted the need to:

• Expand access to paid co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, and experiential learning programs to ensure students gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in Ontario’s evolving job market.

• Strengthen partnerships between post-secondary institutions, employers, and government to align education and training with labour market demands.

• Address barriers that limit international students’ ability to gain work experience, secure post-graduate work permits, and transition into Ontario’s labour force.

• Ensure students and recent graduates have access to affordable training programs that allow them to adapt to emerging industries and workforce needs.

  
  

Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

OSV called for greater action on student food insecurity, housing precarity, and poverty by:

• Prioritizing student food insecurity in the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy.

• Developing a comprehensive provincial food security strategy to support vulnerable students.

  
  

Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance

OSV emphasized the importance of investing in accessible, high-quality education to equip students with the skills needed to drive economic growth.

OSV will be engaging with the Ministry of Finance ahead of Budget 2025 to emphasize the importance of investing in post-secondary students as a key strategy for strengthening Ontario’s economic resilience amid ongoing trade challenges.