Ontario to follow in Quebec’s footsteps and double tuition for non-Quebecois students

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced plans to increase university tuition for non-Quebecois students to a minimum of $12,001, starting from the 2024-2025 school year. 

“It’s important for us to look at our neighboring province and wonder what they’re doing right,” said Ford in a statement, “My government has always stood for equality above all, even when it isn’t convenient.”

When asked for a reponse, Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie said, “I don’t understand.”

Students and faculty lauded the decision. Claude de Bon, a UofT economics student said, “While I don’t approve of the Quebecois tuition hike, I congratulate Premier Ford for his efforts in making sure that we don’t feel left behind.”

Ford also announced in a press conference that non-Quebecois students will now have to learn French in order to graduate, and it will be up to Ontario universities to provide French classes. 

Not all students are happy with the proposed changes.

TMU business student Arnie Blanchet says, “Maybe if I was in first year I would’ve been willing to commit to it, but I’m almost about to graduate now. How am I supposed to learn C1 level French in 8 months? Maybe taking 3 years of bird courses wasn’t the best idea.”

TMU has already announced that mandatory university provided classes will start during the 2024-2025 school year at $45 an hour. Other universities are yet to provide a statement.