Last year the provincial government offered $150 cash to all full-time students to subsidize textbook costs — this year only those receiving student aid will be eligible for the grant.
Breaking their 2007 election platform promise — which also originally included increasing the grant to $225 — the Ontario government is cutting back on the Textbook and Technology Grant in order to save taxpayers $100 million.
Those not receiving student aid will also be unable to receive the $500 distance grant for students studying at least 80 km away from home.
“There is simply not the revenue that we had in the past,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
“We must target the money to the students who are in the most need.”
He noted that 72 per cent of students who received the textbook grant last year will receive it again this year, while 94 per cent of students who received the distance grant will still be eligible for OSAP this year.
“While we are in difficult economic times, our government has not lost sight of the vital importance of continuing to invest in the skills and knowledge of our people. By continuing to support students who have the greatest financial need, we can help them pursue higher education . . .” he said.
However, Shelley Melanson, chair of the Canadian Federation of Students for Ontario, said that it is precisely in such economic troubles that the government must continue providing assistance for students to fall back on.
Still, some students understand the need to cut back.
McMaster commerce student Hester Feldman said, “It would have been nice to continue receiving the grants, but I understand it’s difficult times for everyone — not just students.”