Ontario Students Face Higher Costs as "Creeping Privatization" Threatens Colleges and Universities
If you are an Ontario student or parent, here is the key takeaway: your tuition may keep rising while the quality of your education could decline. The Ontario NDP is warning that the Ford government's funding cuts are pushing colleges and universities toward privatization, meaning more costs are shifting onto you.
What is Happening?
On May 29, 2025, Ontario NDP MPP Peggy Sattler held a town hall in Peterborough to sound the alarm. She argued that years of underfunding—which started under the previous Liberal government and has continued under the Ford government—are leading to "creeping privatization" of the post-secondary system.
The numbers are stark:
- Ontario now ranks second-last in tuition affordability among Canadian provinces.
- The province has the lowest per-student funding in Canada.
- Public funding has been cut repeatedly, forcing institutions to find money elsewhere.
What Does This Mean for You?
As public funding shrinks, colleges and universities are turning to private partnerships, contract training, and higher tuition to balance their budgets. This means:
- Higher tuition fees – You will likely pay more each year.
- Larger class sizes – Less funding means fewer professors and more students per class.
- Fewer public services on campus – Things like student support services, libraries, and mental health resources may be reduced.
- More private influence – Schools may prioritize programs that attract private money over those that serve students' needs.
Who is Affected?
This affects everyone in Ontario's post-secondary system:
- Current students – You will face higher costs and potentially lower quality education.
- Future students – High school students planning for college or university will see fewer affordable options.
- Parents and families – You will need to budget for rising tuition and fees.
- International students – They already pay higher fees, and this trend could accelerate.
- Faculty and staff – Job security and working conditions may worsen as institutions cut costs.
What You Should Do
You don't have to sit back and watch costs rise. Here are actionable steps:
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Contact your MPP – Call or email your local Member of Provincial Parliament. Tell them you oppose cuts to post-secondary funding and want affordable tuition. You can find your MPP at ola.org.
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Stay informed – Watch for provincial budget announcements. The next Ontario budget will reveal whether funding is restored or cut further.
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Compare financial aid options – Check if you qualify for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program), bursaries, or scholarships. Apply early.
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Budget for increases – Assume tuition will rise by at least 3-5% next year. Plan your finances accordingly.
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Join student groups – Many colleges and universities have student unions that advocate for affordable education. Get involved.
Bottom Line
Ontario's post-secondary system is underfunded, and students are paying the price. With the lowest per-student funding in Canada and second-worst tuition affordability, the trend toward privatization is real. If nothing changes, you can expect higher costs, larger classes, and fewer services. The best way to fight back is to speak up—contact your MPP, stay informed, and plan your finances carefully. Your education should not be a luxury only the wealthy can afford.