Although Justice Grant Huscroft clearly showed that the provincial government contravened the “University Acts” by infringing on universities’ autonomy with the SCI, is this really the final nail in the coffin for the policy, or will the government be stubborn and drag taxpayers in an even longer battle with Ontario’s university students?
The Ontario provincial government’s attempt to appeal the court decision concerning the Student Choice Initiative (SCI) will go forward over a year after it was struck down in Ontario’s Divisional Court.
The University of Ottawa is making ancillary fees students could opt out of in the fall semester under the Student Choice Initiative mandatory again for the winter 2020 semester, following a court ruling last month quashing the provincial policy.
The provincial government is looking to appeal last month’s Divisional Court of Ontario ruling striking down the Student Choice Initiative and deeming it unlawful, according to the Globe and Mail.
The Canadian Federation of Students and the York Federation of Students took to the halls of Queen’s Park on Friday to celebrate the court ruling quashing the provincial government’s controversial Student Choice Initiative, saying the decision marked “a historic day for students.”
“We want to send a strong message to Doug Ford and his government that some of his policies are not actually policies that are supported by students and workers on campus,” said Anne-Marie Roy, one of the organizers of the protest.
An average of around one-quarter of students at the U of O opted out of campus services deemed ‘non-essential’ under the Student Choice Initiative, a policy introduced by the provincial government this semester. Services impacted include the Office of the Ombudsperson, financial aid, clubs, student governments and campus media.
Student organizations on campus are already feeling the pressures of the Student Choice Initiative as the opt in deadline of Sept. 27 approaches, leading groups to develop tighter budgets and cut staff.
If you had the time, we could talk to you for hours about why it’s important to stay opted in to the work the Fulcrum produces. We thought an editorial might be the easier route for everyone.
“For essentially the cost of a cup of coffee ($3.38 per semester), if you do face a problem you’re going to get some assistance and some help in dealing with the issue which can be very stressful,” says clinic director Louise Toone.
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