Ford tells students to not pick 'basket-weaving courses' in wake of OSAP cuts
Ford tells students to not pick 'basket-weaving courses' in wake of OSAP cuts
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing a firestorm of criticism after defending significant cuts to student financial aid by advising post-secondary students to avoid what he termed "basket-weaving courses." The remarks, made at Queen's Park on February 17, 2026, come in the immediate aftermath of a provincial overhaul that slashes the proportion of non-repayable grants available through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and lifts a long-standing tuition freeze.
Speaking to reporters, Ford emphasized that the province's post-secondary sector was "in the red" and that the current funding model was "not sustainable." He argued that the changes—which see the maximum grant portion of OSAP funding drop from 85% to 25%—are designed to encourage students to focus on "jobs of the future."
The Shift from Grants to Loans and the End of the Tuition Freeze
The Ford government's new policy represents a massive shift in how higher education is financed in Ontario. Under the previous structure, many low-income students received the bulk of their OSAP funding as grants. Starting this fall, the government will cap grants at a maximum of 25%, with the remaining 75% provided as interest-bearing loans. This means students will graduate with significantly higher debt loads than previous cohorts.
Compounding the financial pressure is the decision to lift a seven-year tuition freeze. Ontario colleges and universities are now authorized to increase tuition fees by up to two per cent per year for the next three years. Ford claimed this was a necessary move to prevent institutional closures, noting that he had faced "massive pressure" from university and college heads to allow for more revenue generation. To soften the blow, the province committed $6.4 billion in additional funding to the sector over four years, but critics argue this does little to help the individual students now facing higher costs and less aid.
'Basket-Weaving' and the Push for STEM
The Premier’s choice of words has become a focal point for student outrage. By suggesting that students are choosing "basket-weaving courses" instead of focusing on "in-demand jobs," Ford appeared to dismiss the value of arts, humanities, and social science degrees. He explicitly urged students to "go into healthcare, go into trades, go into jobs of the future, focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)."
However, many students and educators have pointed out the flaws in this logic. Omar Nusir, a second-year medical sciences student, noted that "in-demand fields are often more expensive," pointing out that his path toward medical school will now result in even more debt despite following Ford's advice. Others on social media pointed out that job vacancies in STEM have actually seen sharp declines recently, while liberal arts degrees provide critical thinking skills that are adaptable across many industries.
Student Backlash and Concerns Over Accessibility
The reaction from the student body has been one of shock and anxiety. In Toronto and across Ontario, students report feeling a sense of "uncertainty and pressure." For many lower-middle-class individuals who do not qualify for full waivers but lack significant parental support, the increase in loans could make a degree unattainable.
Adding to the controversy, Ford also alluded to "nightmare stories" of students using OSAP money for "fancy watches and cologne," a claim that student advocates say unfairly characterizes the vast majority of recipients who use the funds for basic survival. As student unions across Ontario discuss a potential day of action at Queen's Park, the debate continues over whether the province is building a workforce for the future or simply pulling up the ladder for its most vulnerable students.
Ford tells students to not pick 'basket-weaving courses' in wake of OSAP cuts
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