Marking a decade of service, Mac's Money Centre continues to support students in navigating the complexities of financial literacy and education costs

Mac’s Money Centre is marking 10 years of service to McMaster University students, providing tailored financial literacy programs and support. From tax support and online learning tools to credit management and debt reduction strategies, the centre has evolved into a vital resource hub addressing the unique financial challenges students face.

The centre's early efforts focused on assisting international students through small-scale tax workshops and individual support. Terry Bennett, one of Mac’s Money Centre's coaches, spoke of how the initiative grew in response to a pressing need identified by the McMaster Students Union and the university community. “This program started from a need that the MSU and students articulated,” said Bennett.

Gina Robinson, CPA, Financial Educator and Money Coach, spoke about how the centre has since evolved to assist students in more broadly navigating financial matters. “Students really wanted everything in one place—how to pay tuition, access scholarships and budget effectively,” said Robinson.

Today, the centre serves as a centralized hub for financial literacy resources, helping students navigate the complexities of budgeting, OSAP loans, investing and more. “Managing money isn’t just about spreadsheets . . . It’s about understanding your goals and values. If budgets aren’t tied to what matters to you, they’re hard to stick to,” said Bennett.

She added that financial pressures remain one of the top stressors for students, alongside academic and career concerns. Rising tuition, housing costs and inflation have left many students struggling. “We’re seeing more students saying, "I don’t think I can finish my degree because I can’t afford it",” said Bennett.

Matthew Olejarz, a third-year health sciences student, spoke about why they think the services provided by the centre are important for students. “Financial literacy is a skill that most people are semi-aware of, but they don’t fully understand . . . It’s not something taught in school, so being able to guide students is important,” said Olejarz.

Financial literacy is a skill that most people are semi-aware of, but they don’t fully understand . . . It’s not something taught in school, so being able to guide students is important.

Matthew Olejarz, third-year health sciences student
McMaster University

One of the centre’s most impactful initiatives is its involvement in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, a partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency. The program trains McMaster students to assist low-income residents in Hamilton with tax preparation.

Andrijana Olaizola, director of finance and administration for student affairs, spoke about how the program trains McMaster students to assist low-income residents in Hamilton with tax preparation. “We’ve grown from 10 volunteers to over 125, completing more than 2,000 tax returns annually,” said Olaizola.

Professor Miroslav Lovric, who teaches mathematics and statistics in the Faculty of Science, described how he has collaborated with the centre in its efforts to bring financial literacy into the classroom. “Gina and Terry started appearing as guest instructors in my course, where they would talk about practicalities like taxes,” said Lovric.

Lovric noted that many of his students later became volunteers for the centre’s program.

As the centre enters its second decade and economic pressures mount, its leaders aim to increase awareness through events and expanded services. Robinson emphasized that sustaining and expanding the centre’s services will require ongoing funding and institutional commitment. “Even though we’re busy, many students still don’t know about us," said Robinson.

Reflecting on the past decade, the staff expressed pride in the centre’s accomplishments. “We call this milestone a decade of progress, partnerships. and prosperity,” said Robinson.

Bennett echoed that students increasingly recognize the value of the centre’s programming. “They realize the value of what they’re learning and that’s incredibly gratifying,” said Bennett.

They realize the value of what they're learning and that's incredibly gratifying.

Terry Bennett
Mac's Money Centre, Coach

For more information about Mac’s Money Centre or to access its services, students can visit their website.

The new bursary program will cover university tuition and living expenses, providing personalized financial support to Haudenosaunee and Mississauga students

A new bursary program for Indigenous students of Haudenosaunee and Mississauga ancestry has been launched this year at McMaster University. Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance starting in Fall 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students will be required to submit documentation to verify their Indigenous ancestry in accordance with the Indigenous ancestry verification guidelines.

The new bursary is named ionkhihahonnién:ni which translates to “they’re making a path for us” from the Mohawk language. It is intended to assist eligible Indigenous students with both tuition and cost of living expenses such as housing, transportation, food and childcare with the goal of making post-secondary education more accessible.

Chrissy Doolittle, the director of Indigenous Student Services and co-developer of the bursary program was interviewed by The Silhouette. She noted that they are currently assessing the financial needs of the first round of students and working towards disbursing the bursaries to those individuals. 

“There is quite a bit of misunderstanding out there about how federal funding works from band funding offices in that not all students receive funding and that funding does not cover their entire cost to come to post-secondary education. So we really wanted to make sure that we looked at this in a way that was meaningful and was going to make an impact on each student,” said Doolittle. 

There is quite a bit of misunderstanding out there about how federal funding works from band funding offices in that not all students receive funding and that funding does not cover their entire cost to come to post-secondary education. So we really wanted to make sure that we looked at this in a way that was meaningful and was going to make an impact on each student.

Chrissy Doolittle, Director
Indigenous Student Services

The bursary aims to address the specific financial barriers Indigenous students face which stem from a history of oppression of Indigenous peoples. “For our Indigenous learners, tuition is just one part of those expenses and the other barriers to attending universities such as housing, transportation costs as well as some historical factors … and the impact of residential schools and the trauma that has come from that surrounding education. We knew that covering tuition wasn’t going to be enough,” said Doolittle. 

The program is open specifically to members of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga nations, the traditional territories and lands of which McMaster University is located on. Students that are band members of these nations are eligible to apply for the bursary even if they live elsewhere in Canada or internationally. “The Haudenosaunee and Mississauga nations actually span quite a wide area, including Western New York and Eastern Ontario. There are approximately 24 different communities that would be eligible,” said Doolittle. 

The Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations actually span quite a wide area, including Western New York and Eastern Ontario. There are approximately 24 different communities that would be eligible.

Chrissy Doolittle, Director
Indigenous Student Services

In addition to the bursary program, a new Indigenous Financial Aid Specialist role has been established within Indigenous Student Services.

Doolittle mentioned that the specialist will be responsible for administering the funding by first conducting an analysis of each student's financial needs, which will determine the amount that they will receive for the bursary.

“In the past … we’ve always been the middleman where we have been able to help direct students to Aids and Awards or help navigate Award Spring applications with them or help connect them to emergency supports … but having this position in-house allows us to actually help the student here … we can look at their financial picture and can determine how we can best help support them,” said Doolittle.

Having this position in house allows us to actually help the student here … we can look at their financial picture and can determine how we can best help support them.

Chrissy Doolittle, Director
Indigenous Student Services

Through these initiatives, the ISS and McMaster hope to ensure that Indigenous students have the financial support and resources they need to be able to focus on their studies and goals and thrive academically. More information about the bursary can be found on the Aids and Awards page in the Office of Registrar.

As the country’s economy weakens, students need to prepare for the financial consequences of a recession 

The Canadian economy has undeniably been facing a rough patch for the past year. With the cost of living rising and wages lagging far behind, inflationary pressures left many Canadians squeezing their wallets dry.  

However, experts predict things are about to become much worse for Canadians as the economy nears a recession.  

A recession is defined as a period of economic decline. Marked by a decrease in a country’s gross domestic product, a recession brings severe job cuts as businesses reduce production, sales suffer, and consumer spending falls. 

So, why should you care? 

While the weakened state of the economy affects everyone, students, and especially socioeconomically disadvantaged students, are more disproportionately burdened by the consequences of a recession.  

Students already grapple with a range of education-related costs, on top of their basic necessities, but the volatile economic state could lead to even further financial constraints and unexpected expenses.  

As universities also begin to feel the effects of a recession, educational budget choices become difficult, often resulting in cuts to financial aid programs to support students.  

The lack of financial aid, joined with the hiking interest rates on existing student loans, makes students more vulnerable to accumulating debt during a recession. Of greater concern, however, is the fact that some may end up digging themselves an even bigger hole, as they’re forced to borrow more money as a means of short-term relief.  

Beyond these financial constraints, graduating students and those who are employed or searching for employment will need to navigate an unstable job market. The rise in layoffs may hit some working students, but graduating students and those searching for work will face a range of challenges securing a job as employment opportunities become scarce. The inability to secure a job during a recession only magnifies the financial hardships endured by students who rely on employment to support their day-to-day needs and pay off their student loan debt. 

Though the recession will widen economic disparities, stretching students thinner than ever, preparing now can help mitigate the way you experience the economic downturn.  

As with inflation, reducing spending on unnecessary purchases is a fundamental starting point to saving up for the heightened financial pressures brought by a recession. However, paying bills and credit card balances on time is also vital to ensuring you aren’t slammed with late fees and high interest charges during an already stressful period.  

Since the recession will hit individuals with less skills and work experience harder, graduating students will need to think more about the implications of entering the job market during this time.  

Not only will they face worse job prospects, but research also suggests that students who leave school for work face a range of long-term consequences.  

For instance, those graduating in a recession are dealt lower wages and lose out on initial earnings compared to students who graduate prior to a recession. Research also suggests that these students are less likely to hold managerial or skilled positions by their thirties. These issues in employment, however, translate to more concerning impacts such as lower socioeconomic status and poorer health outcomes.  

While the prospect of graduating in a recession is daunting, preparing yourself for the unstable job market through career counselling and making yourself more hireable are important steps in increasing your chances of employment. The basic advice for advancing your competitive edge in the job market has always been to diversify your skillset through further training or taking on job and volunteer opportunities that contribute to professional development – and that advice is still valuable.  

The bottom line is recessionary pressures will affect you no matter what – but doing your research on how best to prepare and taking preventative actions can help to reduce anxiety and mitigate some of the effects of a recession.  

The Student Choice Initiative has placed many students in a difficult position. How much choice is there when students are forced to compromise supporting student services so that they can save money to mitigate the consequences of OSAP funding cuts and increased financial stress, or vice versa?

The answer is that there isn’t much choice, and unfortunately, it’s still one that students across Ontario will have to make.

The Silhouette has been deemed a non-essential service under the Ontario Government's Student Choice Initiative, putting our funding in jeopardy. As McMaster’s independent student newspaper, we have made a commitment to providing a platform for student voice, expression, criticism and celebration for 90 years.

As students make decisions about which fees to opt-out of, we ask that our McMaster community take into consideration the effects their choices will have on services.

 

Ontario government releases Student Choice Initiative guidelines

 

In the wake of the Student Choice Initiative

 

Vital services, campus activities at risk as Mac students choose what fees to pay | CBC News

The fate of many of McMaster University's clubs hangs in the balance over the next week as students decide whether to fund the clubs and other student activities. Student leaders say the process endangers important student services and could fundamentally change the nature of student life. From Sept.

 

By: Elizabeth DiEmanuele

The Student Success Centre and Graduate Studies have introduced new positions for 2019-2020 to support the academic, personal and professional success of international students.

“Enhancing the experience and academic success of our international students is a shared responsibility, which is why we are excited about creating a campus-wide support network around our students,” says Gina Robinson, assistant dean of Student Affairs and director of the Student Success Centre. “We want international students to know that we all care about their individual needs and are working together to get them to the right services on campus.”

 

Learn a little bit about the different roles and how they can support students:

International Undergraduate Students Program Coordinator

Ana Pereira has supported McMaster’s international students for eight years. In this role, she helps students adjust to their new lives at McMaster and in Canada through transitional services, personal development and the International Student Buddy Program.

“Being an immigrant myself, I understand many of the challenges facing students and love helping them feel comfortable in this new place they now call ‘home’,” Ana says.

 

International Graduate Students Program Coordinator

Francesca Hernandez joins the team in this role and will focus on establishing campus-wide partnerships that can support and contribute to the development and success of international graduate students.

“We want to ensure that the academic, social and cultural needs of international graduate students are met through new programming and engagement opportunities,” Francesca says.

“We also want to expand promotion of existing programs and services so that students and their families are aware of supports offered by McMaster and the broader community. We want them to enjoy a successful journey in their new country.”

 

Student Success Coach

In addition to programs and services, one-on-ones are also available. Andrew Staples, student success coach, will support both graduate and international students with their academic concerns, financial difficulties, transition, and navigation of university life. This position will support students on an individual basis and provide a more seamless support system.

Andrew shares, “We want to make sure students feel supported and welcomed during their time at McMaster, so we are encouraging students to ask questions and share any concerns they may be experiencing.”

 

Immigration and Mobility Advisor

Lajipe Sanwoolu, immigration and mobility advisor, can provide immigration consulting from both an inbound and outbound perspective, including international and domestic students who are interested in working in Canada or abroad.

“International students contribute greatly to our community,” says Lajipe. “It is important and beneficial that we continue to provide them with opportunities to contribute and develop themselves.”

International students provide an invaluable knowledge and perspective, both in and outside of the classroom. Lajipe’s role will support developing relationships between international students and employers, providing education about international hiring and dispelling hiring misconceptions.

Appointments with Andrew Staples and Lajipe Sanwoolu are bookable through OSCARplus.

For those interested in collaborating on initiatives to support international student success, email [email protected].

 

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Photo from Silhouette Photo Archives

By: Areej Ali

This past November marked the launch of “Tax-Free Tuesdays, an initiative proposed by McMaster Students Union president Ikram Farah during the 2018 presidential election.

The pilot project, created in collaboration with McMaster Hospitality Services, entailed offering students a 13 per cent discount at La Piazza during the month of November.

Farah initially created the initiative in effort to promote food affordability on campus.

“Food insecurity is real. The MSU invests in the operations of the MSU Food Collective Centre to offer immediate food support to students,” said Farah in a Silhouette article about the project from November.

With the winter semester coming to an end, McMaster Hospitality Services director Chris Roberts has confirmed that “Tax-Free Tuesdays” project will not continue in the future.

The aim was to have increased traffic flow in La Piazza, which would offset the financial losses resulting from giving students the discount.

According to Roberts, La Piazza did not see increased traffic in November.

“The data clearly showed that our transactions on the Tax-Free Tuesdays were no different than previous Tuesdays ,which resulted in a significant loss in revenue over the course of the pilot,” said Roberts. “This indicates that students continued their usual habits regardless of the discount.”

He cites Union Market’s elimination of their boxed water, suggesting that McMaster Hospitality Services must continue to operate in a financially responsible manner.

As such, the “Tax-Free Tuesdays” project will likely not resurface next year.

When asked for her comment on McMaster Hospitality Services’ decision, Farah did not provide a response to The Silhouette.

There is a lack of clarity with respect to McMaster students’ feedback from the project, including whether or not they believe there was sufficient advertising from the MSU.

Farah and the MSU have also yet to publicly respond to Roberts’ comments and McMaster Hospitality Services’ decision.

“I believe there are other initiatives that we could look at that serve the needs of students who are financially challenged that will not affect our financials in a negative way,” said Roberts.

An example of one such initiative is Bridges Cafe’s new “Cards For Humanity” program, a pay it forward initiative through which students donate to other students.

According to Roberts, students can expect to see various food accessibility initiatives emerge, but “Tax-Free Tuesdays” will no longer be one of them.

 

Graphic by Sabrina Lin

With International Women’s Day just behind us, several Hamilton organizations are taking the time to show their appreciation for the women in our community. One such organization is Never Gonna Stop, a youth initiative that is hosting Empower Me: A Women’s Appreciation Brunch on March 16 at the Hamilton Plaza Hotel and Conference Center.

In addition to brunch, the event will feature games, raffle prizes, a variety of visual and performing artists and speakers. The event is open to all ages and genders. It was important for the organizers that this communal appreciation of women be done by not just other women.

“[I]t's really important to have men to support women in our community. Men's voices are heard a lot more than just women’s [so] we're trying to get men to align with women… [W]hen we hear [about] domestic violence, usually it's men doing violence towards women, so… that's what I mean when I say we try to align men with women to support each other,” explained NGS member Gonca Aydin.

The brunch, which is now sold out, is free of cost. Making it free allowed the event to be accessible to everyone in the community. Reducing financial barriers is important for this organization, which is catered towards helping low-income youth.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bukit0TBboP/

NGS was created by David Lingisi, Saifon Diallo and Joshua Kiena, all of whom come from low-income backgrounds. They wanted to create an initiative that would provide physical and mental health-related activities for youth from the ages of 13 to 29.

“[W]e've seen how there's a lot of older people… that have talent basically wasted because they didn't have an opportunity… [A]s the younger generation, we basically want to help [youth] out to make their dreams come true. I want everyone to provide a platform for them, to give them an opportunity to… go to the league, allow them to become doctors and [whatever] they want to do,” said Lingisi.

Lingisi was born with sickle cell anemia and has spent his life in and out of the hospital while still working towards his dream of being a music producer. Each of the co-founders have underwent personal challenges, which fuel their desire to help others overcome obstacles. Growing up in immigrant families, they all faced culture shock in addition to financial barriers.

The initiative hopes to provide the support for low-income youth that they feel is missing in Hamilton. They want to support the artistic, athletic and academic talent of today’s youth by providing them with opportunities and the knowledge to succeed.

Since the creation of the initiative last summer, NGS has hosted a youth panel, a holiday food drive, an All-Star weekend basketball tournament and a talent and fashion show for Black History Month among other events. They are continuously planning new events in partnership with other organizations in the city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bujp1oFhB_a/

They took on the Women’s Appreciation Brunch because it fits within their goal of creating community. NGS is proud to call themselves inclusive to all genders, races, religions or economic statuses. Setting aside space and time to celebrate women and promote the resources that women can access within the city fits within that mandate.

Most importantly, the Women’s Appreciation Brunch delivers the message of persistence directly to Hamilton’s women. They named the event Empower Me because they want women of all ages to know that they can accomplish any goal that they set out to reach.

“[K]eep following your dreams, whatever it is, don't ever stop, don't let anything stop you. You are able to make it no matter what you're going through, it doesn't matter the situation, just keep going as long as you get one more day… I just want to [say] that everybody's a part of NGS. I'm NGS, you're NGS, anybody going through anything but still fighting is NGS,” said Lingisi.

That is why they named themselves Never Gonna Stop. More than a name, it is a movement and source of encouragement for those involved. Knowing how hard life can be, NGS is focused on motivating others to work hard in order to achieve their wildest dreams.

 

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Photo C/O Kyle West

By: Donna Nadeem

In the fall, An’am Sherwani, Asha Smith and Garry Vinayak, three students taking the SUSTAIN 3S03 course, conducted a new study on food insecurity on campus.

The results reveal that 39 per cent of the 204 student respondents have experienced moderate food insecurity and 12 per cent have experienced severe insecurity.

Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food.

Meal Exchange is a nonprofit organization that tackles issues such as student food insecurity in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

In 2016, Meal Exchange worked with university campuses including Brock University, the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, Lakehead University and Ryerson University to survey students using the “Hungry for Knowledge” survey guide and framework.

The objectives of the study were to determine a ‘prevalence estimate’ of students experiencing food insecurity, identify key factors that contribute to student food insecurity and raise awareness about various services that address and help reduce the issue of student food insecurity.

As part of the course, Sherwani, Smith and Vinayak created an online survey for the McMaster student population to collect information about students who are at most risk of food insecurity.

The survey also asked respondents about the various barriers and factors that influence and contribute to the emergence of student food insecurity.

The goal of the project was to use the survey data collection to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding about the social issue of student food insecurity.

The team advertised the survey through social media, posters around campus and class talks. They obtained 204 partial responses and 185 complete responses.

Their findings indicate that 39 percent, or 71, of respondents have experienced ‘moderate’ food insecurity while 12 per cent, or 22 respondents, experienced ‘severe’ food insecurity.

Respondents indicated that their food insecurity was largely the result of factors including financial barriers, having limited time to cook and the lack of healthy and diverse food options on campus.

They also reported that food insecurity impacted their physical health, mental health, social life and grades.

The most common experiences amongst those dealing with food insecurity included relying on low-cost foods, not eating healthy balanced meals, and prioritizing other financial needs before securing adequate food.

The study also suggests that food insecurity also results in skipping meals and sometimes not eating the entire day.

Of those who identified as food insecure, only 24 per cent utilized programs and services at their disposal, such as the McMaster Students Union Food Collective Centre.

Nonetheless, as there is a stigma associated with these services, it is unclear the extent to which respondents underreported their use of them.

After analyzing the results of the survey, the team shared their findings were shared with MSU student clubs and services.

These groups can use the results of the study, particularly the one about students’ use of food services, as a springboard to explore new ways of outreach to McMaster students experiencing food insecurity.

The increased usage of these services and clubs may aid in the reduction of food insecurity at McMaster.

The SUSTAIN 3S03 team has sent their study to a graduate student, who will continue to pursue and examine the research. Further exploration and follow-ups are currently in progress and the study will be continued into 2019.

 

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Photo by Kyle West

On Jan 17, the provincial government announced plans to change the Ontario Student Assistance Program and cut tuition by 10 per cent.

The OSAP changes include requiring students to take out a loan when receiving an Ontario Student Grant, lowering the threshold to receive financial assistance, and eliminating the six-month interest-free period after graduation.

On Jan. 31, more than 75 student associations across Canada released an open letter demanding the government reverse the changes to OSAP.

Since the announcement, multiple protests have been held across the province, including in Hamilton.

Students at McMaster are also being affected by the changes, with more than 17,000 full-time students having applied for OSAP.

Many students are concerned about the shift in financial assistance towards loans instead of non-repayable grants.

First-year social sciences student Bryce Lawrence does not get money from her parents for tuition and says she would not be able to go to school without receiving grants and loans through OSAP.

This past year, Lawrence qualified to receive a higher proportion of grants compared to loans. Going forward, she will receive more money in loans and less in grants.

“The 10 per cent tuition decrease is nothing compared to the amount that we are not going to be getting anymore and it is going to be harder for a lot of students,” Lawrence said.

During the school year, Lawrence works three days a week, with the money going directly to basic expenses like groceries, gas and her phone bill.

“I worked hard in high school to get here and I need that money to get myself through it so that in the future I can get myself a good career that will help support a family,” Lawrence said.

Looking forward to next year, Lawrence says the money she gets from OSAP probably will not be enough to cover additional costs on top of tuition.

“It’s just frustrating,” She added. “It is going be weird not having the amount of money I need. Literally nothing is free in school. It is so expensive, and once the money goes into my tuition, I will not have enough to pay for my textbooks and stuff.”

Second-year political science student Zack Anderson said the elimination of the six-month interest-free period is especially harmful.

“It is already stressful enough once I do graduate to try and find a stable income, but I always kind of knew that that six-month cushion was going to be there for me and now that rug’s been pulled out from under me,” he said.

Anderson has relied heavily on OSAP. However, even with OSAP, Anderson still struggles to cover school and living costs beyond just tuition.

This year, he was forced to take a reduced course load and work three jobs to pay for tuition and living costs.

Over the summer, Anderson was working 70-hour weeks to save up for school.

“I have had to take out loans off the bank, I have maxed out credit cards before, done all these kinds of things to try to survive and you take it day by day, week by week,” Anderson said.

While there have yet to be any announcements since Jan. 17, the Ford government’s plans are expected to be in place for the 2019-2020 academic year.

 

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Photos by Kyle West

On Jan. 25, The Silhouette sat down with Ontario New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath to discuss the Ford government’s recently announced changes to Ontario’s tuition framework, financial aid system and student fees.

On Jan. 17, the Ford government announced a 10 per cent reduction in the up front cost of tuition in Ontario. This came alongside a plan to tighten the eligibility requirements for the Ontario student assistance program, reduce grant money offered by OSAP and eliminate the six month grace period before loans must be paid back.

Additionally, the ministry announced that post secondary institutions will be required to allow students to opt out of paying non-tuition fees deemed “non-essential.”

According to Horwath, the 10 per cent tuition cost reduction will end up harming students.

“This decision that the government's made is deceitful first and foremost because the 10 per cent sticker price announcement really means nothing for affordability for students,” she stated.

Horwath said the proposed changes would cause students to graduate with more debt and pay higher interest fees.

The McMaster Students Union has expressed similar concerns.

“Grants are a far more effective form of student financial aid than loans. Rolling back OSAP eligibility and increasing the loan threshold will increase the debt load on many students,” said Ikram Farah, MSU president.

According to Horwath, the requirement of an opt-out for non-essential student union fees is a strategy to silence the voices of students.

I think a lot of what the government is trying to do is weaken the student movement to silence the voices of young people,” she said.

The MSU released a statement saying that this provision might impact the advocacy abilities of student unions and provision of services and supports.

“The potential of optional fee structures for services could severely undermine the ability of students to organize and maintain robust student-oriented provisions, along with their representation to all levels of government,” stated the release.

According to Horwath, the proposed changes to tuition, fees and OSAP will impact more than just students because all Ontarians benefit from well-functioning post secondary institutions.

“It is going to affect everyone,” she stated. “It is going to affect families. It is going to affect the economy. It is going to affect the educators.”

She explained that weakening the student experience on campus, lowering the quality of education and burdening students with more financial distress mean that young people will not get the education that they need in order to participate in the workforce.

The Progressive Conservative party holds a 60 per cent majority, meaning that they have enough seats to pass legislation without the assent of other parties.

Despite this, Horwath believes it is still possible to advocate for change.

She noted that as a result of public outcry, the Ford government recently backtracked on a proposal open up the Greenbelt to developers.

According to Horwath, this demonstrates that broad resistance from Ontarians is key.

I think this is a glimmer of hope to say that notwithstanding that it is a majority government, if you have a broad enough resistance and if you push hard enough […] then you have an opportunity to engage.”

 

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