(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – January 26, 2017): Today, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with Minister Michael Gravelle and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Han Dong, visited Algoma University’s campus to speak with students about the changes being implemented to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and to hear students’ concerns.

“We are very honoured to have had Premier Wynne, Minister Gravelle and MPP Han Dong visit us today and speak with our students,” said Acting President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Celia Ross. “The changes coming this September to OSAP funding will be a big help and encouragement to students from low income families attending post-secondary. Premier Wynne’s visit was also a great opportunity for our students to have their opinions heard by the Ontario Government.”

Survivors of the residential school system joined students to show Premier Wynne the photo archives at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre. Wynne also talked to students in the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association Lounge, and toured the newly expanded George Leach Centre. A group of students from the Ontario Native Welfare Assistance Association voiced their thoughts about wage disparity between First Nations communities and non-First Nations communities, the cost of food, poverty levels, climbing hydro and electricity costs, transportation, child benefits, and mental illness.

“It was a great opportunity meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne today,” said AJ Idris, President of the Algoma University Students’ Union (AUSU). “She was very open to students’ inputs and concerns. The student voice was heard and we look forward to seeing the positive changes she can bring to post-secondary education.”

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