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 significant backlash after defending major cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) by advising students to avoid what he called "basket-weaving courses." Speaking to reporters at Queen's Park on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ford stood firm on his government's decision to shift the balance of student aid from grants to loans and to lift a long-standing tuition freeze.
Ford Defends OSAP Overhaul and Tuition Hikes
The provincial government recently announced a dramatic restructuring of OSAP, decreasing the proportion of non-repayable grants from approximately 85% to a maximum of 25% of total funding. The remaining 75% will now be distributed as interest-bearing loans. Additionally, the government ended a seven-year tuition freeze, allowing colleges and universities to increase fees by up to two percent annually for the next three years.
Ford stated that he received thousands of calls from concerned students over the long weekend but maintained that the previous system was financially unsustainable. "Folks, it was in the red, it was just not sustainable and the sector was telling me it was not sustainable," Ford explained. He suggested that without these measures, several post-secondary institutions might have been forced to close due to financial pressures, particularly following new limits on international student enrollment.
The 'Basket-Weaving' Comment and Focus on STEM
The most controversial aspect of the Premier's remarks involved his characterization of certain academic paths. Ford urged students to focus their education on "jobs of the future" rather than elective or liberal arts courses he deemed impractical. "A lot of the students, you know, you are picking basket-weaving courses and there are not too many baskets being sold out there," Ford said. "Go into healthcare, go into trades, go into jobs of the future, focus on STEM."
The Premier further suggested that some students were taking advantage of the grant system, claiming he had heard "nightmare stories" of individuals using OSAP funds to purchase luxury items like fancy watches and cologne instead of paying tuition. He argued that requiring students and parents to invest more in their own education would lead to greater accountability and lower dropout rates.
Student Groups and Opposition Respond to 'Devastating' Changes
The reaction from student unions and opposition leaders has been swift and critical. Many argue that the shift from grants to loans will result in a generation of students graduating with unmanageable levels of debt. Kayla Weiler, a representative for the Canadian Federation of Students' Ontario branch, noted that the changes would be a "huge disadvantage" for the upcoming cohort of students.
Critics also pointed out that "basket-weaving" is an outdated and derogatory term used to dismiss the value of a broad-based education. Some noted that the cuts to OSAP grants affect all students equally, regardless of whether they are studying medicine, engineering, or the arts. Student leaders from the University of Ottawa described the changes as "devastating," highlighting that many students rely on grants to cover basic necessities like food and housing alongside their tuition.
The Future of Post-Secondary Funding in Ontario
To mitigate the impact on institutions, the Ford government has committed an additional $6.4 billion in funding for the post-secondary sector over the next four years. However, for the students on the ground, the immediate reality is one of rising costs and shrinking support. As tuition begins to climb and grant envelopes shrink this fall, the debate over the value of different types of degrees—and the government's role in funding them—is likely to intensify.
Ford tells students to not pick 'basket-weaving courses' in wake of OSAP cuts
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