Ontario is reassessing CTS Canadian Career College’s eligibility for the Learn and Stay Grant after pausing Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) payments associated with private postsecondary institutions, leaving paramedic students unsure of support.
The Canadian Press reported Nov. 3 that CTS counted 41 departures among students slated to receive the grant, while 115 grant-funded students remained. The report also described the effect on students’ finances. CTS paramedic student Aaron Madgett told The Canadian Press he was behind on property-tax and electricity bills and was using food-bank services. Another student, Fyonna Vanderwerf, told the outlet she planned to use an OSAP loan for living expenses while the grant covered school costs.
Ontario announced the payment pause Oct. 6 while KPMG audits OSAP at private institutions. The province said preliminary concerns involved student validation and verification of course enrollment and outcomes. It said the pause was intended to protect public funds and students who qualify for aid.
The Learn and Stay Grant helps eligible students pay direct study costs in exchange for working in the region after graduation. For paramedic students taking a full course load, each funded study period carries a six-month service commitment, requiring at least 400 hours in total and 20 hours for each full month. Graduates must work as primary care paramedics for an ambulance operator certified by Ontario’s Ministry of Health or an Ornge land ambulance asset in Northern Ontario.
CTS Vice President Jason Portugues told BayToday that three of the college’s four northern Ontario campuses had OSAP approval for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. He said students had organized their plans around those approvals. Quinn’s office said work was underway to reassess CTS’s grant eligibility.
Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Minister Nolan Quinn told the legislature Nov. 2 that the government was working with banks on low-interest loan options for affected students. He gave no launch date or loan terms. Ontario has not announced when the CTS review or the audit will conclude.
