OPSEU opposes cuts to students

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union opposes forecasted cuts of $800 million in funding to schools, colleges and universities in the next three years, as revealed by a confidential cabinet document. These cuts will have a devastating impact on college and university students because savings would come from reducing government guarantees on student loans.

OPSEU President Leah Casselman said "These cuts in education will pose a serious threat to the capacity of students trying to get through college and university. Students are already overloaded with payments and debts, they're not responsible for the government's incapacity to put money back into the education system." She added "the quality of education is threatened again and the government will live with the consequences of a bad decision."

The confidential cabinet document also refers to cuts in «funding non-credit courses and low priority programs particularly those offered by northern and francophone institutions». Casselman said "Has the minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, John Baird, forgotten about the five hundred thousand Franco-Ontarians living in this province, are their rights protected by these cuts?."

For further information:

Pierre Floréa (416) 448-7442, c. (416) 450-1252

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