Ontario Providing New Post-Secondary Funding, Lifting 7-Year Tuition Freeze
What’s Happening?
Ontario announced that it’s investing $6.4 billion in post-secondary institutions and lifting a 7-year tuition fee freeze.
“[We] will allow publicly assisted colleges and universities to raise tuition by up to 2% per year for 3 years, then up to 2% or the 3-year average rate of inflation, whichever is less, in the years following,” the province said in a news release on Feb. 12, 2026.
“On average, this change will result in an additional cost of $0.18/day for college students and $0.47/day for university students. Low-income students will have this cost absorbed through an enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG).”
Premier Doug Ford’s government is also decreasing the proportion of grants offered through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) — relying more on loans.
Impact on Post-Secondary Staff
The ability to raise tuition and additional funding for post-secondary institutions could support job creation, or prevent further layoffs.
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About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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