As you may be aware, the Ontario government has introduced Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, which includes proposed changes that would significantly increase government control over colleges and universities. Despite claims that the Bill will improve transparency, it poses a serious threat to the autonomy of Ontario’s publicly funded postsecondary institutions, undermining academic freedom, research independence, and student governance.
At a time when Ontario already ranks last in the country for per-student postsecondary funding, Bill 33 would add unnecessary oversight and red tape instead of addressing the chronic underfunding that threatens the quality and sustainability of our institutions. The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), along with faculty, staff, and student groups across the province, have expressed deep concern about the Bill and its potential long-term impact on the postsecondary sector.
TUFA is encouraging members to reach out to their local representatives and urge them to oppose or amend Bill 33. Below you will find a sample letter that you can personalize and send to your local MPPs:
Peterborough–Kawartha: Dave Smith, MPP
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 705-742-3777
Durham: Todd McCarthy, MPP
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-697-1501
Please take a few minutes to send your letter today. Your voice matters in protecting the independence, quality, and integrity of Ontario’s public universities.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Subject: Protect Ontario’s Public Postsecondary Education – Oppose Bill 33
Dear [Your MPP],
As a constituent and member of the Trent University Faculty Association, I am deeply concerned about Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025. This Bill represents a serious threat to the autonomy and quality of Ontario’s publicly funded colleges and universities. It gives the government increased control over postsecondary institutions through ministerial directives and new oversight mechanisms, undermining academic freedom, research independence, and the ability of our institutions to meet student and community needs. At a time when Ontario already ranks last in the country in per-student funding, this legislation adds costly red tape rather than providing the meaningful investment our students and campuses urgently need.
I am also alarmed by the government’s continued exclusion of students, staff, and faculty from key decision-making processes. Without the voices of those who live and work within the sector, decisions risk prioritizing privatization, program cuts, and precarious work over the public good. These actions weaken the foundations of our universities and colleges and jeopardize both educational quality and the economic vitality of the regions they serve.
I urge you to stand with Ontario’s students, educators, and researchers by calling for the withdrawal or major revision of Bill 33. Please advocate for sustainable public funding, transparency, and genuine consultation with those directly affected by these decisions. Our postsecondary institutions are vital public resources. Let us protect their autonomy and ensure they remain strong, inclusive, and publicly accountable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Member, Trent University Faculty Association