Upcoming Dates
- March 24 – Rally at Queen’s Park to protest OSAP changes
- March 25 – Rally at Dave Smith’s office to protest OSAP changes
- March 26 – Spring General Membership Meeting
Trent
LTA Caucus Meeting – March 13, 2026
On March 13, TUFA held a meeting of Limited Term Appointment (LTA) members to discuss the university’s financial situation, share updates from recent budget discussions, and identify advocacy priorities ahead of the TUFA General Membership Meeting on March 26.
Trent had been facing a projected deficit in excess of $30 million prior to the February funding announcement from the Province. We estimate that the additional funding should reduce that deficit by 30-40%. TUFA’s pressure on the University to manage the situation by using financial reserves to run a deficit in 2026/27 and to limit cuts to academic operations has certainly lessened the worst-case scenario anticipated for LTA positions in the budget.
As discussed at the LTA Caucus meeting, current estimates suggest that between six and eight LTA lines may be lost out of roughly fifty LTA positions across the University. This represents a significant portion of the LTA complement, but the situation may still improve as retirements free up additional resources within decanal budgets.
LTAs carry heavy teaching loads while also contributing to research, service, and administrative work. There is also the unseen labour LTAs perform in supporting students through mentoring, advising, and other forms of academic and personal support.
Caucus participants emphasized the importance of highlighting the full scope of LTA contributions as the University adjusts to the changing financial situation. To assist with that, TUFA circulated a survey to all LTA members seeking data on teaching loads, student-faculty ratios, service work, and the research activities of TUFA’s LTA members.
This information will help the Association demonstrate the centrality of LTA labour and make the impacts of potential cuts more visible in institutional decision-making.
Advocacy
Supporting Student Advocacy on OSAP
The Provincial government’s recent announcement of changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provoked a strong reaction from students and the organizations representing them. TUFA is lending its support to Trent’s student unions (TCSA, TDSA, and the TGSA) through our interunion council and is helping prepare a joint solidarity statement from all Trent’s unions. Meantime, student actions are being planned locally and provincially and the Association encourages members to stand in solidarity with students as they protest the impact of these changes to the accessibility of post-secondary education.
The presence of faculty and librarian members at student-led rallies and events, not only manifests solidarity, but can also help shield student protestors from over-zealous law enforcement.
There are two upcoming opportunities to support students that are coming up fast:
Hands Off Our Education Rally
Queen’s Park (111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, ON)
1:30 PM – Tuesday, March 24th
Rally at Dave Smith’s Office
Unit E, 864 Chemong Rd. Peterborough, ON
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25th
We want a strong TUFA showing at these events. Interested members should contact the TUFA Office for reimbursement information for travel to the Queen’s Park rally and/or to sign out a TUFA banner.
Even if you cannot attend rallies yourself, you can help enormously by sharing your support on social media and being flexible with students who miss class in order to participate in advocacy activities.
Student advocacy is crucial to the broader conversation about the future of post-secondary education in Ontario. Let’s do our part to support students as they defend their access to education.
Our Members in the News
Trent Faculty Expertise in the News
At Trent University Durham, Dr. Christopher Cwynar, Assistant Professor of Communications and Communications Program Coordinator, is lending his expertise to national conversations on recent federal decisions regarding TikTok.
Dr. Cwynar, whose research focuses on how public media institutions are adapting to digital platforms, notes that increased scrutiny of TikTok reflects broader concerns around data security and the influence of social media. He also points to a growing awareness among users about the risks of sharing information online.
TikTok currently has more than 16 million monthly users in Canada, with continued growth expected in the coming years.
Community
Day of Pink ECHO Tour Coming to Peterborough
The Day of Pink ECHO Tour is coming to Peterborough Public Library on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
This year’s theme, ECHO: Voices That Still Resonate, highlights 2SLGBTQIA+ stories that have faced censorship and continue to shape ongoing advocacy. The event marks 25 years since the Little Sisters Bookstore Supreme Court case and the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act.
Attendees can expect an evening of short film screenings, featured speakers, and opportunities for community reflection.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a spot.For more information and to register click here.