PRESS RELEASE
March 6, 2025
WELLAND, ON - Ontario Student Voices (OSV) congratulates the Progressive Conservative Party, the Ontario New Democratic Party, the Ontario Liberal Party, and the Ontario Green Party on their election results. Your commitment to public service is commendable, and we look forward to collaborating with all parties to advance post-secondary students’ interests across the province.
Ontario’s colleges and universities are vital to the province’s future, equipping students with the skills needed to drive economic growth. However, chronic underfunding has left institutions struggling to maintain quality and accessibility. As Ontario faces ongoing economic challenges, including the impact of tariffs from a Trump administration, post-secondary students will be essential in helping the province withstand and recover from these disruptions. By filling labor market gaps and supporting key industries, students and graduates will play a direct role in strengthening Ontario’s economy. Investments in their education, skills training, and workforce integration will ensure that businesses and the province have the talent needed to adapt, compete, and rebuild in the face of economic uncertainty.
"Students across Ontario have made their needs unmistakably clear: they cannot succeed without greater support. With institutions struggling under insufficient funding, students facing mounting financial strain, and mental health resources stretched too thin, the time for action is now. The province must invest in operating grants, mental health services, work-integrated learning, and financial relief for both domestic and international students—before the consequences become irreversible" said Alexandra Oestreicher, Chair of Ontario Student Voices and Vice President, Conestoga Students INC.
As we look ahead, Ontario Student Voices will continue to work with the Ministry of Colleges & Universities and sector stakeholders to advocate for:
Increased funding for colleges and universities to sustain high-quality education and vital programs.
Expanded work-integrated learning opportunities to better prepare students for the workforce.
Greater investments in campus mental health services to support student well-being.
Eliminating interest on student loans to ease financial burdens on graduates.
Enhanced support for international students, who are key contributors to Ontario’s economy.
Once again, congratulations on your victory. We look forward to working together to ensure all Ontario students have access to the education and opportunities they deserve.
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About the Ontario Student Voices
Ontario Student Voices is a provincial student advocacy group representing 125,000 students across Ontario. Our vision is a post-secondary system in Ontario that prioritizes success, accessibility, affordability and quality for all students - domestic and international.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Lynn Courville
Executive Director for the Ontario Student Voices
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