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Students at Perth and District Collegiate Institute and St. John Catholic High School are planning a coordinated walkout Thursday afternoon to protest changes to Ontario’s student aid program.
Organizers say students will quietly leave class at 12:30 p.m. and march to Perth Town Hall to raise awareness about reductions to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) introduced by the Doug Ford government.
Ashwen Foster, a Grade 12 student at PDCI helping organize the demonstration, says the protest is intended to be peaceful and respectful while sending a clear message.
Foster says uncertainty about funding is already affecting students planning their futures.
She says the impact could extend beyond current students and affect the province as a whole.
Foster adds the entire situation has added anxiety to students who worry about the post-post-secondary impact it will have on their lives.
Organizers say students from both schools are encouraged to participate peacefully.