The Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA) is deeply committed to the advancement of higher education in Ontario. The upcoming provincial election presents a pivotal opportunity to influence the future of post-secondary education in our province.
By exercising our right to vote, we can advocate for policies that support the sustainability and growth of our institutions. Participation in the electoral process ensures that the voices of academic professionals are heard. It is more critical now than ever before to vote with the ideas of post-secondary education funding, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy in mind.
Party Platforms on Post-Secondary Education Funding
While TUFA remains non-partisan, it is essential to be informed about each party’s stance on post-secondary education funding to make educated decisions at the ballot box. There are several sites where election promises have been listed. The following summary of positions directly relevant to the Post-Secondary Education sector have been drawn from Global News’ summary of campaign promises, the CBC’s comparison of election platforms, and OCUFA’s party platform report card.”
Green
- On colleges and universities, the Greens would waive tuition in certain, in-demand programs. The party would also convert student loans to grants for middle and lower-income students, eliminating interest on debt.
- The Ontario Greens promised to immediately increase per-student university funding by 20 percent and tie the measure to inflation.
Liberal
- The Ontario Liberals are promising to eliminate interest on OSAP loans and raise the threshold for repayment to $50,000.
- The party says it would cap international enrollment at Ontario colleges and universities at 10 per cent. The Liberals said they would change government funding to reduce college and university reliance on international students.
New Democratic
- The Ontario NDP are promising to keep domestic tuition fees frozen, eliminate interest from existing student loans and turn student loans into grants.
Progressive Conservative
- The Progress Conservatives haven’t made any promises on education yet but they have made retooling and skills announcements.
The Impact of Policy on Post-Secondary Education
The policies proposed by these parties have significant implications for the future of post-secondary education in Ontario. Increased funding and support can lead to improved educational resources, better support for students, and enhanced research opportunities. Inadequate funding will continue to strain our institutions, affecting the quality of education and the well-being of faculty and students alike.
Your Vote Matters
As members of the academic community, our collective voice is powerful. By voting, we can advocate for policies that uphold the values of accessible, high-quality education and ensure the continued success of our institutions.
How to Participate
- Stay Informed: Review the platforms of all political parties, focusing on their policies related to post-secondary education.
- Engage in Dialogue: Discuss these issues with colleagues, students, and community members to foster a well-informed electorate.
- Vote: Ensure you are registered and aware of your polling station. Encourage others within our community to do the same.
The 2025 Ontario Provincial Election is critical. Provincially we are close to a breaking point for many post-secondary institutions. Some post-secondary institutions have already closed and others are reducing course offerings due to financial issues. It is incredibly important to vote and make our voices heard about the future of post-secondary education. By participating in the electoral process, we can help shape policies that reflect our commitment to academic excellence and the betterment of society.