Ontario Extends OSAP Funding Freeze for Private Career Colleges into 2027
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Minister Nolan Quinn confirms the pause on student financial assistance will remain in effect until at least the new year following audit concerns.
Ontario has extended a provincewide pause on Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) payments to private career colleges, with Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn announcing the freeze will not be lifted until a new approval process for these institutions is established. Quinn stated the pause, which follows preliminary audit findings of serious mismanagement concerns, is expected to last until the new year (2027). The government is currently working to secure third-party bank loans for affected students.
According to reporting from CBC Toronto and CityNews Toronto, the funding freeze has led to significant instability for students and institutions. Trillium College suspended classes across its campuses last week due to the uncertainty. Students at Trillium, including Jennifer Koster and Marina Whitehead, report that the school attempted to implement monthly payment plans of approximately $1,500, which many cannot afford without OSAP support.
Other affected students include Scott Daley of the CTS Canadian Career College campus in Barrie and Deanna Hutten of McMaster Divinity College. Students and the industry association Career Colleges Ontario are calling for a targeted approach to remove "bad actors" rather than a sweeping pause that penalizes compliant institutions and students struggling with rent and basic needs.
Minister Quinn acknowledged the impact on families, stating the measures are necessary to protect taxpayers from abuse and restore integrity to the system.