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Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 268/01

Ontario student loans MAde August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2017

Consolidation Period: From January 1, 2024 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 358/23.

Legislative History: 168/04, 119/07, 123/10, 333/10, 464/11, 216/12, 197/13, 280/13, CTR 25 AU 14 - 2, 254/14, 345/16, 72/17, 405/17, 71/19, 770/20, 85/23, 358/23.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

Application and Interpretation

1.

Application

2.

Definitions

The Student Loan Process

3.

Obtaining and repaying a student loan

3.1

Period of loan

Applying for a Student Loan

4.

Applying for a certificate of loan approval

5.

Prerequisites for certificate

6.

Residency requirement

7.

Approved program of study

8.

Approved institutions

9.

Minimum required course load

Certificate of Loan Approval

10.

Issuance of certificate and criteria for issuance

11.

Education costs of an individual

12.

Expected contributors to an individual’s education costs

13.

Financial resources of an individual

14.

Grounds for refusing to issue a certificate

15.

Restrictions on issuance of certificate

15.1

Further restrictions re: bankruptcy

16.

Scope and duration of certificate

17.

Maximum amount of loan approved by a certificate

18.

Replacement certificate

Obtaining a Student Loan

19.

Obtaining a student loan

20.

Master student loan agreement

21.

Restriction on advances

21.1

Student loan agreements re period before August 1, 2012

22.

Duty to give notice of material change in circumstances

22.1

Change of address

Maintaining Status as a Qualifying Student

23.

Qualifying student

24.

Confirmation of enrolment by institution

25.

Confirmation of enrolment by Minister

26.

Effect of status as qualifying student

27.

Ceasing to be a qualifying student

Consolidated Loan Agreement and Repayment Terms

28.

Requirement for a consolidated loan agreement

29.

Arrangement if there is no consolidated loan agreement

30.

Obligation to pay interest

30.1

Exception

30.2

Eligible not-for-profit entity

30.3

Exception

31.

Repayment terms

32.

Amendment to prevent default

Initial Reduction of Principal

33.

Ontario Student Opportunity Grant

34.

Repayment to Minister

Default on a Student Loan

41.

What constitutes default

42.

Consequences of default

Restrictions on Future Eligibility for Student Loans and other Benefits under this Regulation

42.1

Minister’s determination

General

45.

Effect of false statements

46.

Officers authorized to issue certificates

47.

Authority of service providers

 

Part I (s. 0.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 72/17, s. 2.

Application and Interpretation

Application

1. This Regulation applies with respect to student loans issued for periods of study that begin on or after August 1, 2001 but before August 1, 2017. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 4.

Definitions

2. (1) In this Regulation,

“2017 Regulation” means Ontario Regulation 70/17 (Ontario Student Grants and Ontario Student Loans), made under the Act; (“Règlement de 2017”)

“2020 Regulation” means Ontario Regulation 768/20 (Ontario Student Grants and Ontario Student Loans for Micro-Credentials) made under the Act; (“Règlement de 2020”)

“2023 Regulation” means Ontario Regulation 82/23 (Ontario Learn and Stay Grant) made under the Act; (“Règlement de 2023”)

“approved institution” means an institution described in section 8; (“établissement agréé”)

“approved program of study” means a program of study approved in accordance with subsection 7 (1); (“programme d’études approuvé”)

“borrower” means a person who has been issued a student loan under this Regulation and who is required to make repayments on the student loan under a consolidated loan agreement or under an arrangement established by the Minister under section 29, but does not include a person whose student loan has been paid; (“emprunteur”)

“consolidated loan agreement” means an agreement described in section 28; (“contrat de prêt consolidé”)

“eligible employment” means paid employment in Ontario or voluntary work in Ontario or a combination of both totalling a minimum of 30 hours a week; (“emploi admissible”)

“eligible not-for-profit entity” means an eligible not-for-profit entity within the meaning of section 30.2; (“entité sans but lucratif admissible”)

“expected contributor” means, in relation to an individual, another individual described in section 12; (“personne dont une contribution est attendue”)

“grant” does not include a micro-credential grant; (“subvention”)

“master student loan agreement” means an agreement entered into under section 20; (“contrat-cadre de prêt d’études”)

“micro-credential grant” has the same meaning as in the 2020 Regulation; (“subvention pour une microcertification”)

“micro-credential student loan” has the same meaning as in the 2020 Regulation; (“prêt d’études pour une microcertification”)

“micro-credential student loan agreement” has the same meaning as in the 2020 Regulation; (“contrat de prêt d’études pour une microcertification”)

“Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student” has the same meaning as in the 2023 Regulation; (“étudiant bénéficiant de la subvention ontarienne Apprendre et rester”)

“period of study” means, in relation to a program of study, a period described in subsection 7 (2); (“période d’études”)

“pre-2001 Regulation” means Regulation 774 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Ontario Student Loans made before August 1, 2001), made under the Act; (“règlement antérieur au Règlement de 2001”)

“prime rate”, with respect to a rate of interest, means the average variable reference rate of interest as calculated monthly, based upon the average variable reference rates of interest for a month, by each of the Bank of Montreal, the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Royal Bank of Canada and the Toronto Dominion Bank as their rate for Canadian dollar consumer demand loans, and calculated without reference to the highest and the lowest of those five rates and by averaging the remaining three rates; (“taux préférentiel”)

“qualifying student” means a student described in section 23; (“étudiant admissible”)

“repayment notice” has the same meaning as in the 2020 Regulation; (“avis de remboursement”)

“service provider” means a person or entity, other than a post-secondary educational institution, who provides services with respect to the disbursement, administration, management or delivery of student loans or grants by virtue of,

(a) an agreement with the Minister, or with another Minister of the Crown in right of Ontario, for the provision of those services, or

(b) if the Minister has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada for the provision of those services, an agreement with the Government of Canada for the provision of those services; (“fournisseur de services”)

“spouse” means either of two persons who,

(a) are married to each other,

(b) have together in good faith entered into a marriage that is voidable or void,

(c) have lived together in a conjugal relationship outside marriage continuously for a period of not less than three years, or

(d) have lived together in a conjugal relationship outside marriage in a relationship of some permanence, if they are the natural or adoptive parents of a child; (“conjoint”)

“student loan agreement” means an agreement entered into under section 20 as that section read on January 31, 2012. (“contrat de prêt d’études”) O. Reg. 268/01, s. 2; O. Reg. 168/04, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 333/10, s. 5 (1-5); O. Reg. 464/11, s. 2; O. Reg. 216/12, s. 1; O. Reg. 254/14, s. 1; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 5 (1-4), 26; O. Reg. 770/20, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 85/23, s. 1 (1-3).

(2) For the purposes of this Regulation, an individual enters into a recognized arrangement for debt settlement when any of the following events occurs:

1. A proposal under Division I of Part III of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) relating to the individual is approved by a court under that Act.

2. A consumer proposal made by the individual under Division II of Part III of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) is approved or deemed to be approved by a court under that Act.

3. A consolidation order is made under Part X of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) in relation to any debts of the individual, including any student loans that the individual may have received under the Act.

4. A document seeking relief has been filed by the individual under a law in a province or territory in Canada outside of Ontario for the orderly payment of debts, including any student loans that the individual may have received under the Act.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 1 (3); O. Reg. 333/10, s. 5 (6); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 5 (5, 6).

(3) A reference in this Regulation to a “loan” or “student loan” does not include a micro-credential student loan. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 1 (4).

(4) Despite subsection (3) and the definition of “grant”, a reference in this Regulation to a grant, loan or student loan that is received, granted, made or issued under the Act includes any grant or loan received, granted, made or issued under the Act. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 1 (4).

(5) A person ceases to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student on the first day that the person is neither a qualifying student nor an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 1 (4).

The Student Loan Process

Obtaining and repaying a student loan

3. (1) An individual who wishes to obtain a student loan that is to be issued for a period of study commencing on or after August 1, 2012 but before August 1, 2017 must obtain a certificate of loan approval from the Minister in accordance with sections 4 to 17 and meet the requirements of sections 19 and 20.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 6 (1).

(2) The terms of the student loan are set out in section 20 and in the master student loan agreement that the individual enters into.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 3 (2); O. Reg. 464/11, s. 3 (2).

(2.1) Subsections (1), (2) and (5), as they read on January 31, 2012, continue to apply to student loans that are issued for a period of study commencing before August 1, 2012.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 3 (3).

(3) While the individual remains a qualifying student or an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, the individual is not required to repay the student loan. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 2.

(4) After the individual ceases to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, they are required to enter into an agreement under section 28 to consolidate all of their student loans made under this Regulation. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 2.

(5) The repayment of the student loan is governed by sections 30 to 34 and by the terms of the master student loan agreement and the consolidated loan agreement.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 3 (4); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 6 (3).

Period of loan

3.1 (1) A student loan may be made for no more than one period of study in the approved program of study in which the student is or will be enrolled.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 2.

(2) An individual who wishes to obtain student loans for more than one period of study must follow the application process set out in subsection 3 (1) for each period of study.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 2.

Applying for a Student Loan

Applying for a certificate of loan approval

4. (1) An individual who wishes to obtain a student loan must apply to the Minister for a certificate of loan approval, and the application must specify the period of study for which the loan is needed as well as the approved institution and approved program of study in which the individual intends to enrol.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 3.

(2) The application must be made on a form approved by the Minister.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 4 (2).

Prerequisites for certificate

5. (1) An individual is eligible to receive a certificate of loan approval only if,

(a) he or she is

(i) a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada); or

(ii) in the case of an individual who is applying for a certificate of loan approval in respect of a period of study that begins on or after August 1, 2004, a protected person within the meaning of subsection 95 (2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada);

(b) he or she meets the residency requirement set out in section 6;

(c) he or she is enrolled in an approved program of study at an approved institution;

(d) he or she is taking at least the minimum required course load for the period of study of the approved program of study; and

(e) at the time of the application for the certificate of loan approval, he or she is not ineligible to receive the certificate as a result of a determination made by the Minister under section 42.1.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 3; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 4 (1).

(2) An individual who is enrolled or intends to enrol in a program of study taught in American Sign Language (ASL) or Quebec Sign Language (QSL) at an approved institution outside Canada is eligible to receive a certificate of loan approval only if he or she is deaf or hard-of-hearing.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 123/10, s. 1.

Residency requirement

6. (1) An individual meets the residency requirements for a certificate of loan approval if, on or before the day the period of study of the approved program of study in which the individual is enrolled begins, either the individual or one of his or her expected contributors,

(a) has resided in Ontario for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; and

(b) has not resided in another province or territory in Canada for a period of at least 12 consecutive months since completing the 12-month period of residency in Ontario required under clause (a).  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 4; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 5 (1).

(2) In determining whether an individual or his or her spouse has resided in Ontario or in another province or territory of Canada for 12 consecutive months for the purposes of subsection (1), the time that the individual or spouse spent in full-time studies at a post-secondary institution shall not be included.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 4.

(3) Despite subsection (1), an individual who does not meet the residency requirements described in that subsection shall be deemed to meet the residency requirements for the purposes of issuing a certificate of loan approval if,

(a) neither the individual, nor any of his or her other expected contributors, has resided in any province or territory of Canada other than Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months; and

(b) the individual is or will be attending an approved institution in Ontario on a full-time basis and, as of the day the application for the certificate of loan approval is made, the individual resides in Ontario.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 4.

(4) Subsection (3) applies to an individual only if he or she applies for a certificate of loan approval with respect to a period of study that begins on or after August 1, 2004 but before August 1, 2017.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 4; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 7.

Approved program of study

7. (1) The Minister may approve a program of study as a program of study for which students may be eligible to receive a student loan if the program,

(a) is provided at an approved institution;

(b) consists of one or more periods of study of no less than 12 weeks and no more than 52 weeks; and

(c) leads to the granting of a certificate, degree or diploma upon the successful completion of the program.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 6.

(2) For the purposes of clause (1) (b), the period of study of an approved program of study is the period of time that the approved institution considers to be the normal school year for that particular program, as determined by that institution for academic purposes, which may include one or more academic terms.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 6.

(3) The Minister may approve a program of study for deaf or hard of hearing students at an approved institution referred to in paragraph 2.1 of subsection 8 (2) only if,

(a) the program meets the requirements of subsection (1); and

(b) the only or principal language of instruction used in the program is American Sign Language (ASL) or Quebec Sign Language (QSL).  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 6; O. Reg. 123/10, s. 2.

(4) The Minister may withdraw his or her approval for a program of study if the program ceases to meet the requirements established under the Act, terms established by the Minister or terms established in any agreement entered into for the purposes of the Minister’s approval.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 6.

Approved institutions

8. (1) The following institutions are approved institutions for the purposes of student loans:

1. Every public university in Ontario, including any post-secondary educational institution that is affiliated or federated with such a university.

2. Every college of applied arts and technology established under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002.

3. University of Guelph - Campus d’Alfred.

3.1 University of Guelph - Kemptville Campus.

3.2 University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus.

4. The Law Society of Upper Canada.

5. The Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 8 (1); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 5 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 7 (1).

(2) An institution described in one of the following paragraphs is an approved institution for the purpose of student loans if it is approved by the Minister for that purpose:

1. A public post-secondary institution in Canada that is not described in subsection (1).

2. A private post-secondary educational institution that is authorized under the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000 to operate or maintain a university or to provide all or part of a program leading to a degree.

2.1 A post-secondary institution outside of Canada at which one or more programs of study that meet the requirements of subsection 7 (3) are provided for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

3. A career college registered in Ontario under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

4. A private post-secondary institution in Ontario, other than one described in paragraph 2 or 3.

5. A private career college operating in another Canadian jurisdiction that is authorized by that jurisdiction to operate as a private career college or as an analogous type of school. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 8 (2); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 7 (2, 3); O. Reg. 197/13, s. 1; O. Reg. 280/13, s. 1; O. Reg. 358/23, s. 1.

(3) Revoked:  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 5 (3).

Minimum required course load

9. An individual enrolled in an approved program of study at an approved institution is taking the minimum required course load for the purposes of student loans,

(a) if he or she is enrolled in at least 60 per cent of what the institution considers to be a full course load for the period of study in question, in the case of an individual who is not a person with a disability;

(b) if he or she is enrolled in at least 40 per cent of what the institution considers to be a full course load for the period of study in question, in the case of an individual who is a person with a disability.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 9; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 8.

Certificate of Loan Approval

Issuance of certificate and criteria for issuance

10. (1) The Minister may issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual, if the Minister considers that the individual needs a student loan in order to pursue an approved program of study at an approved institution for a particular period of study.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 10 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 9.

(2) When deciding whether an individual needs a student loan, the Minister shall consider the individual’s education costs and financial resources and may consider other factors that are relevant in the Minister’s opinion.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 10 (2).

Education costs of an individual

11. For the purposes of a student loan, the following are an individual’s education costs for an approved program of study at an approved institution for a particular period of study:

1. The tuition and other compulsory fees payable to the institution.

2. The estimated cost allowance established by the Minister for books and other instructional supplies.

3. The estimated weekly cost allowance established by the Minister for personal and living needs.

4. The estimated cost allowance established by the Minister for such other expenses as the Minister considers relevant in the circumstances.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 11; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 10.

Expected contributors to an individual’s education costs

12. The Minister may expect one or more of the following individuals to contribute toward the education costs of another individual (the “student”) for a period of study in an approved program of study at an approved institution:

1. The student’s parents.

2. An individual who is the student’s sponsor within the meaning of the regulations made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).

3. The individual who, on the first day of the period of study, is the student’s spouse. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 12; O. Reg. 168/04, s. 6; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 11; O. Reg. 254/14, s. 2.

Financial resources of an individual

13. (1) For the purposes of a student loan, the amount of an individual’s financial resources for a particular period of study in an approved program of study at an approved institution is the amount of money that the Minister expects the individual and his or her expected contributors, if any, to contribute toward the individual’s education costs for the period.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 13 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 12 (1).

(2) The Minister shall determine the individual’s financial resources having regard to the following matters:

1. The individual’s total income from all sources, including earnings from summer and other part-time or full-time employment, investment income and other income including gifts.

2. Any academic awards and government assistance that the individual is receiving or is entitled to receive.

3. The assets of the individual and, if the individual has a spouse, the assets of the spouse.

4. If the individual has expected contributors, their total income from all sources.

5. If the individual has expected contributors, their personal income tax payments and employment insurance and pension plan contributions.

6. The number of other individuals that, in the opinion of the Minister, are dependants of the individual or his or her expected contributors, if any.

7. Any other resources, assets or deductions of the individual and his or her expected contributors, if any, that the Minister considers to be relevant in the circumstances.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 13 (2); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 7.

(3) The Minister shall not have regard to the following benefits received by an individual in determining the individual’s financial resources under subsection (2):

1. The Universal Child Care Benefit.

2. The Ontario Child Benefit.

3. The Canada Child Tax Benefit.

4. The Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent.

5. A housing allowance or financial supplement received under the Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families Program.  O. Reg. 123/10, s. 3; O. Reg. 197/13, s. 2.

(4) In determining an individual’s financial resources under subsection (2), the Minister shall not include any income the individual receives under a plan that is a registered disability savings plan within the meaning of section 146.4 of the Income Tax Act (Canada).  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 8.

Grounds for refusing to issue a certificate

14. (1) The Minister may refuse to issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual in any of the following circumstances relating to the individual’s finances and financial resources:

1. The individual or his or her spouse owns, possesses or controls real or personal property that, in the opinion of the Minister, constitutes sufficient financial resources to meet the individual’s education costs.

2. The individual is entitled to receive student financial assistance from the Government of Canada or from the government of another province or territory of Canada or of another country.

3. After considering the contents of a consumer report of the individual’s current debts, the Minister is of the opinion that the individual will not repay a student loan.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 14 (1); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 8 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 13 (1).

(2) The Minister may refuse to issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual if the Minister considers, after consulting with the approved institutions at which the individual has been enrolled, that the individual has not made satisfactory progress in a program of study.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 14 (2); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 8 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 13 (2).

(3) The Minister may refuse to issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual in any of the following circumstances relating to actions of the individual:

1. The individual has not made arrangements that are satisfactory to the Minister to repay, or has not repaid, a student loan or any other amount required to be paid to the Crown in respect of a loan, grant or award made by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada or the government of any other province or territory.

2. The individual has not given the Minister all of the information and documents required by the Minister to administer the program of award, grants or student loans which the individual has received under the Act, including information about the individual’s academic status, financial status or family status during a period of study.

3. The individual has given the Minister incorrect information relating to a student loan, or has not informed the Minister promptly about any change to information previously given to the Minister.

4. The individual has been found guilty of an offence under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, the Canada Student Loans Act or the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) involving fraud or theft in respect of any student assistance program or a loan, grant or award made by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada or the government of any other province or territory. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 14 (3); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 8 (3); O. Reg. 280/13, s. 2.

Restrictions on issuance of certificate

15. (1) The Minister shall not issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual if the individual has received loans under the Act or Ontario Access Grants under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act, or both, in respect of previous periods of study totalling more than,

(a) for an individual who is not a person with a disability,

(i) 340 weeks if he or she is enrolled in a program of study other than a doctoral program, and

(ii) 400 weeks if he or she is enrolled in a doctoral program; and

(b) 520 weeks for an individual who is a person with a disability. O. Reg. 119/07, s. 14; O. Reg. 197/13, s. 3; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 8 (1).

(2) The Minister may, in order to accommodate an individual based on reasons of a disability, determine that clause (1) (b) does not apply. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 8 (2).

(3) The Minister shall not issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual who was issued a student loan in respect of a previous period of study and has not repaid all amounts due with respect to that previous loan if the individual,

(a) was granted repayment assistance at the debt reduction stage in respect of the previous student loan under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation, under sections 35 to 40.7 of this Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, or under sections 12 to 12.12 of the pre-2001 Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, and he or she is not an individual described in clause (b);

(b) has a permanent disability and was granted repayment assistance at the debt reduction stage in respect of the previous student loan under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation, under sections 35 to 40.7 of this Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, or under sections 12 to 12.12 of the pre-2001 Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, and at least 60 months has elapsed since he or she last was a qualifying student; or

(c) was granted a reduction of the amount outstanding under the previous student loan under section 40.2 of this Regulation as it read on October 31, 2010 or under section 9.4 of the pre-2001 Regulation, as it read on October 31, 2010. O. Reg. 333/10, s. 9; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 8 (3).

(4) The Minister shall not issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual who has been granted a severe permanent disability benefit under section 48 of the 2017 Regulation, under section 40.8 of this Regulation, as that section read on March 9, 2017, or under section 13 of the pre-2001 Regulation, as that section read on March 9, 2017. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 8 (4).

Further restrictions re: bankruptcy

15.1 (1) This section applies with respect to an application for a certificate of loan approval made by an individual who, at any time prior to the day of the application, became a bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or entered into a recognized arrangement for debt settlement.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9.

(2) The Minister shall not issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual referred to in subsection (1) who has previously received a student loan under the Act unless the individual otherwise satisfies the requirements of this Regulation for a certificate of loan approval and, at the time of the application,

(a) there are no amounts of principal or interest outstanding on any student loans previously received by the individual; or

(b) if the individual was released from the obligation of repaying any student loans previously received by reason of an order of absolute discharge or certificate of discharge granted under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), three years have elapsed since the day the order of absolute discharge was made.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9; O. Reg. 333/10, s. 10 (1); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 9 (1, 2).

(3) The Minister shall not issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual who became a bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and who, at the time of the application for the certificate of loan approval, has not received an order of absolute discharge or certificate of discharge under that Act unless the individual satisfied the Minister that any student loans made to the individual after a certificate of loan approval is granted to the individual will not be seized to repay the individual’s creditors.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 9 (3).

(4) Despite subsection (2), the Minister may issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual who was a qualifying student enrolled in an approved program of study at the time an event described in subsection (1) occurred even though the individual does not satisfy the requirements of clause (2) (a) or (b) if,

(a) the individual continues to be enrolled in the approved program of study in which he or she was enrolled at the time the event occurred;

(b) the individual otherwise satisfies the requirements of this Regulation for a certificate of loan approval; and

(c) the certificate of loan approval is issued for a period of study referred to in subsection (5).  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 15 (1); O. Reg. 333/10, s. 10 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 9 (4).

(5) The Minister may issue a certificate of loan approval to an individual under subsection (4) for any period of study that begins before the earlier of,

(a) the day that is three years after the day the event described in subsection (1) occurred;

(b) the day the individual completes the approved program of study he or she was enrolled in at the time the event described in subsection (1) occurred; or

(c) the day the individual ceases to be enrolled in the approved program of study he or she was enrolled in at the time the event described in subsection (1) occurred.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 15 (2).

(6) Subsections (4) and (5) apply with respect to any event described in subsection (1) that occurred on or after May 11, 2004.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 9.

Scope and duration of certificate

16. (1) A certificate of loan approval authorizes a student loan to be made to a particular individual for all or part of a period of study in an approved program of study at an approved institution, all of which shall be specified in the certificate.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 16 (1).

(2) A certificate of loan approval is valid for 30 days after an official of the institution completes a form confirming the individual’s enrolment in the approved program of study for the period of study specified in the certificate.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 16 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 16 (2).

Maximum amount of loan approved by a certificate

17. (1) This section sets out the maximum amount of a loan that may be approved by a certificate of loan approval issued to an individual for each week of the individual’s anticipated enrolment in the approved program of study for the period of study specified in the certificate. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(2) Subsections (1) and (2), as they read on December 7, 2014, continue to apply to certificates of loan approval issued for periods of study beginning before December 8, 2014. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(3) For a period of study that begins on or after December 8, 2014 but before August 1, 2015, the maximum weekly amount is,

(a) for a single student, $150; and

(b) for any other individual, $350. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(4) For a period of study that begins on or after August 1, 2015 but before August 1, 2016, the maximum weekly amount is,

(a) for a single student, $155; and

(b) for any other individual, $355. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(5) On August 1 of every year starting in 2016, the maximum weekly amount that applied immediately before August 1 shall be adjusted by multiplying the amount by the indexing factor to obtain the adjusted maximum weekly amount. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the indexing factor is,

A/B

in which,

  “A” is the Ontario Consumer Price Index for all-items, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period that ended on July 31 in the previous year, and

  “B” is the Ontario Consumer Price Index for all-items, not seasonally adjusted, for the 12-month period immediately preceding the period mentioned in the description of “A”.

O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(7) If the adjustment calculated under subsection (5) would result in an adjusted maximum weekly amount that is not a multiple of $5, the amount shall be rounded up or down to the nearest amount that is a multiple of $5. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(8) If the adjustment calculated under subsection (5) would result in a decrease in the maximum weekly amount, no adjustment shall be made. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(9) If the maximum weekly amount does not increase in a year due to a calculation under subsection (5) that would otherwise require a decrease in the maximum weekly amount, or due to the adjusted maximum weekly amount rounding down to the same amount as the previous maximum weekly amount, the indexing factor for the year shall be added to the indexing factor for the next year. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

(10) In this section,

“single student” means an individual who does not have a spouse or dependent child on the first day of the period of study. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 3.

Replacement certificate

18. (1) If a certificate of loan approval is lost or stolen, the individual to whom it was issued may apply to the Minister for a replacement certificate.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 18 (1).

(2) The Minister may issue a replacement certificate if he or she is satisfied that the original has been lost or stolen.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 18 (2).

Obtaining a Student Loan

Obtaining a student loan

19. A service provider on behalf of the Minister shall issue a student loan to an individual in the amount set out in the certificate of loan approval for a period of study commencing on or after August 1, 2012 but before August 1, 2017 if,

(a) the individual has received a certificate of loan approval and has entered into a master student loan agreement under section 20; and

(b) the individual’s enrolment in the approved program of study has been confirmed by the approved institution.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 10.

Master student loan agreement

20. (1) The Minister may enter into a master student loan agreement in accordance with this section where an individual applies for a student loan that is to be issued for a period of study commencing on or after August 1, 2012 but before August 1, 2017 and the Minister is satisfied that the individual who applies for the student loan is entitled to one and has a certificate of loan approval. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 11 (1).

(2) Where a master student loan agreement has been entered into under subsection (1), the master student loan agreement applies to all student loans received under this Regulation on or after the date on which the master student loan agreement was entered into.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 11 (2).

(3) The parties to a master student loan agreement are the individual who wishes to obtain a student loan and the Minister.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 11 (3), 26.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 72/17, s. 11 (4).

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the Minister may amend the terms of the master student loan agreement.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

(6) Amendments to the terms of the master student loan agreement are subject to both of the following rules:

1. For the amendments to be valid, the Minister must give notice by posting the amended terms on the website for the Ministry.

2. The amendments shall only apply to student loans issued for a period of study commencing on or after the August 1 that is immediately after the posting referred to in paragraph 1.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

(7) Despite subsection (2), an individual shall enter into a new master student loan agreement if two or more years have elapsed since the individual ceased to be a qualifying student under section 27.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4.

(8) A master student loan agreement entered into under subsection (7) applies to all student loans received under this Regulation on or after the date on which the individual entered into the new master student loan agreement.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 4; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 11 (5).

Restriction on advances

21. (1) A service provider on behalf of the Minister is not permitted to make an advance in respect of a student loan to an individual before the requirements in section 19 are met. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 12.

(2) If an advance in respect of a student loan is made, the service provider shall promptly distribute the copies of the application for the loan in accordance with the instructions on the form.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 21 (2).

Student loan agreements re period before August 1, 2012

21.1 Sections 19 and 20 and subsection 21 (1), as they read on January 31, 2012, continue to apply to student loans that are issued for a period of study commencing before August 1, 2012.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 6.

Duty to give notice of material change in circumstances

22. (1) An individual who enters into a student loan agreement or enters into a master student loan agreement, under which the individual receives a student loan pursuant to section 19, is required to promptly notify the Minister or such person or entity as may be designated by the Minister for the purposes of this section of any material change in his or her circumstances that occurs during the period of study for which the loan is made.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 7.

(2) A material change in circumstances includes,

(a) a change in the individual’s marital or family status;

(b) a change of address;

(c) a change in his or her enrolment;

(d) a change in education costs described in section 11; and

(e) a change in financial resources described in section 13.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 11 (2).

Change of address

22.1 An individual who enters into a student loan agreement or enters into a master student loan agreement, under which the individual receives a student loan pursuant to section 19, shall promptly notify the service provider or such person or entity as may be designated by the Minister for the purposes of this section of any change of address that occurs after the person ceases to be a qualifying student under section 27 but before the repayment in full of the principal amount of the student loan and of any outstanding interest on that amount.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 8.

Maintaining Status as a Qualifying Student

Qualifying student

23. (1) An individual is a qualifying student during a period of study for which he or she receives a student loan or a grant under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 18; O. Reg. 197/13, s. 3.

(2) An individual may be a qualifying student during a period of study for which he or she does not receive a student loan or a grant under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act, if the requirements set out in section 24 or 25 are met.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 18; O. Reg. 197/13, s. 3.

(3) If an individual ceases to be a qualifying student for a period of less than six months, the individual shall be deemed to have been a qualifying student throughout that period.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 23 (3).

(4) An individual who is a qualifying student for the purposes of the 2017 Regulation is deemed to be a qualifying student for the purposes of this Regulation. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 13.

Confirmation of enrolment by institution

24. (1) An individual who wishes to be a qualifying student during a period of study for which he or she does not receive a student loan or a grant under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act or a grant or student loan under the 2017 Regulation must comply with this section.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 24 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 19 (1); O. Reg. 197/13, s. 3; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 14.

(1.1) The individual must continue to meet the requirements of clause 5 (1) (a).  O. Reg. 123/10, s. 5.

(2) The individual must obtain a document from the institution at which he or she is enrolled, confirming,

(a) that he or she is enrolled in an approved program of study at an approved institution for the period of study in question, and that he or she is taking at least the minimum required course load;

(b) that he or she is enrolled at a secondary school within the meaning of the Education Act and that he or she is taking at least the minimum course load required under subsection (2.1);

(c) that he or she is enrolled at a designated educational institution as defined in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and that he or she is taking at least the minimum course load required under subsection (2.1); or

(d) that he or she is enrolled at an educational institution not described in clause (a), (b) or (c) that is approved by the Minister for the purposes of this section and that he or she is taking at least the minimum course load required under subsection (2.1).  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 24 (2); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 13 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 19 (2); O. Reg. 197/13, s. 4.

(2.1) For the purposes of clauses (2) (b), (c) and (d), the minimum course load that an individual who is enrolled in a program of study at an institution described in one of those clauses must take in order to maintain his or her status as a qualifying student during the relevant period of study is,

(a) a course load that is at least 60 per cent of what the institution considers to be a full course load for the period of study, in the case of an individual who is not a person with a disability; and

(b) a course load that is at least 40 per cent of what the institution considers to be a full course load for the period of study, in the case of an individual who is a person with a disability.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 13 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 19 (3, 4).

(3) The confirmation of enrolment must be given on a form approved by the Minister and must be certified by the institution at which the individual is enrolled.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 24 (3).

(4) The individual must give the service provider the confirmation of enrolment form promptly upon becoming enrolled as described in subsection (2).  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 24 (4).

(5) Subject to subsection 25 (2), the individual is a qualifying student under this section beginning on the first day of the period of study. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 24 (5); O. Reg. 254/14, s. 4.

Confirmation of enrolment by Minister

25. (1) Even though an individual does not comply with section 24, the individual is a qualifying student during a period of study for which he or she does not receive a student loan or a grant under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act if he or she establishes to the satisfaction of the Minister that,

(a) the individual was unable to obtain a confirmation of enrolment form under section 24; and

(b) the circumstances that are required in order to obtain a confirmation of enrolment under clause 24 (2) (a), (b), (c) or (d) exist.

(c) Revoked:  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 14.

O. Reg. 268/01, s. 25 (1); O. Reg. 168/04, s. 14; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 20; O. Reg. 197/13, s. 5.

(2) The individual must obtain from the Minister a confirmation of enrolment form under this section and must give it to the service provider promptly.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 25 (2).

(3) Subject to section 27, the individual is a qualifying student under this section beginning on the first day of the period of study. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 25 (3); O. Reg. 254/14, s. 5.

Effect of status as qualifying student

26. (1) While an individual is a qualifying student, his or her obligations to pay principal and interest under a student loan agreement, a master student loan agreement, a consolidated loan agreement, micro-credential student loan agreement and repayment notice, if any, are suspended. O. Reg. 770/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 85/23, s. 3 (1).

(2) If the individual owes interest to the Minister under the student loan agreement, master student loan agreement, consolidated loan agreement, micro-credential student loan agreement or repayment notice, if any, for a period during which he or she was not a qualifying student, and if the Minister asks the individual to pay the accrued interest for that period, subsection (1) does not apply until the individual pays the accrued interest. O. Reg. 770/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 85/23, s. 3 (2).

(3) The individual is not permitted to pay the accrued interest by means of a promissory note.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 26 (3).

Ceasing to be a qualifying student

27. (1) An individual ceases to be a qualifying student in any of the following circumstances:

1. The individual ceases to be enrolled in the approved program of study in respect of which his or her most recent certificate of loan approval was issued.

2. The individual reduces his or her course load below the minimum required course load for the period of study in the approved program of study.

3. The individual withdraws from the applicable educational institution.

4. The program of study in which the individual is enrolled at the approved institution ceases to be an approved program of study.

5. The institution at which the individual is enrolled ceases to be an approved institution or to be described by clause 24 (2) (b), (c) or (d).

6. The period of study for which the individual received a student loan or an Ontario Access Grant under Ontario Regulation 118/07 (Ontario Access Grants and Ontario Tuition Grants) made under the Act ends and the number of weeks in respect of which the individual has received a student loan or an Ontario Access Grant during his or her lifetime is equal to or greater than,

i. for an individual who is not a person with a disability,

A. 340 weeks if he or she is enrolled in a program of study other than a doctoral program, and

B. 400 weeks if he or she is enrolled in a doctoral program, and

ii. 520 weeks for an individual who is a person with a disability.

7. Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the individual became a bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or entered into another recognized arrangement for debt settlement and, if the event occurred during a period of study, the period of study ends.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 27; O. Reg. 168/04, s. 15 (1); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 21 (1-4); O. Reg. 197/13, s. 5; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 15 (1).

(1.1) The Minister may, in order to accommodate an individual based on reasons of a disability, determine that subparagraph 6 ii of subsection (1) does not apply. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 15 (2).

(2) Despite paragraph 7 of subsection (1), an individual shall continue to be a qualifying student after the end of the period of study during which he or she became a bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or entered into another recognized arrangement for debt settlement until such time as is determined under subsection (3) if,

(a) the individual is issued a certificate of loan approval under section 15.1;

(a.1) the individual is issued a notice of assessment under section 18 of the 2017 Regulation; or

(b) the individual meets the requirements of section 24 or 25.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 15 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 15 (3).

(3) An individual may continue to be a qualifying student under subsection (2) until the earlier of,

(a) the day that is,

(i) three years after the day the event described in paragraph 7 of subsection (1) occurred, or

(ii) if the three year period described in subclause (i) ends during a period of study, the last day of the period of study;

(b) the day the individual completes the approved program of study he or she was enrolled in at the time the event described in paragraph 7 of subsection (1) occurred; or

(c) the day the individual ceases to be enrolled in the approved program of study he or she was enrolled in at the time the event described in paragraph 7 of subsection (1) occurred.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 15 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 21 (5).

(4) Paragraph 7 of subsection (1) and subsections (2) and (3) only apply to events described in paragraph 7 of subsection (1) that occurred on or after May 11, 2004.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 15 (2).

Consolidated Loan Agreement and Repayment Terms

Requirement for a consolidated loan agreement

28. (1) Every individual shall enter into a consolidated loan agreement with the Minister after the individual ceases to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student if the individual has entered into,

(a) one or more student loan agreements;

(b) one or more master student loan agreements; or

(c) any combination of student loan agreements and master student loan agreements.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 10; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26; O. Reg. 85/23, s. 4 (1).

(2) If the individual does not enter into a consolidated loan agreement within six months after ceasing to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, section 29 applies until the individual does enter into such an agreement. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 4 (2).

(3) The consolidated loan agreement must establish the amount and duration of the repayments to be made to discharge the principal amount of all outstanding student loans made under this Regulation and the interest on the outstanding balance from time to time, and the agreement may provide for other matters.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 28 (3); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 16.

(4) If the individual enters into a consolidated loan agreement and then becomes a qualifying student again or becomes an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, the individual is required to enter into a new consolidated loan agreement after ceasing to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, and the new agreement supersedes the old agreement. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 4 (3).

(5) If the individual does not enter into the new consolidated loan agreement within six months after ceasing to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, section 29 applies until the individual does enter into such an agreement. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 4 (3).

Arrangement if there is no consolidated loan agreement

29. (1) If an individual does not enter into a consolidated loan agreement within six months after ceasing to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, the Minister may establish the amount and duration of the repayments to be made to discharge the principal amount of all outstanding student loans made under this Regulation and the interest on the outstanding balance from time to time. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 5.

(2) If an individual does not enter into a consolidated loan agreement within six months after ceasing to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student or does not provide the Minister with a void cheque, a bank account number or with such other information or documents as may be necessary in order to collect payments in accordance with the terms of a consolidated loan agreement, the Minister may require a financial institution to make payments on the individual’s student loans from an account at the institution that the individual has identified to the Minister. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 5.

(3) The payments made by a financial institution under subsection (2) shall be made in accordance with the repayment terms set out in the consolidated loan agreement, if any, or, if none, in accordance with the repayment terms established by the Minister under subsection (1).  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 16; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

Obligation to pay interest

30. (1) An individual is not required to make payments toward the interest accruing under a student loan agreement, a master student loan agreement or a consolidated loan agreement until the first day of the seventh month immediately following the month in which the individual ceased to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 6.

(2) The interest rate in effect on any day under a student loan agreement, a master student loan agreement or a consolidated loan agreement is the prime rate on that day plus 1 per cent.  O. Reg. 464/11, s. 11.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 254/14, s. 6.

Exception

30.1 (1) Despite subsection 30 (1), an individual is not required to make payments toward the interest accruing under a student loan agreement, a master student loan agreement or a consolidated loan agreement until the first day of the 13th month immediately following the month in which the individual ceased to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student where the Minister determines that the individual is employed in or does voluntary work that is eligible employment with an eligible not-for-profit entity. O. Reg. 85/23, s. 7.

(2) To be eligible for a determination under subsection (1), an individual must submit a completed application form, as approved by the Minister, to the service provider before the end of the six-month period set out in subsection 30 (1).  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

(3) The application form shall include an attestation, in a form approved by the Minister, that is to be completed by a person who is authorized by the governing body of the eligible not-for-profit entity to complete the attestation form on behalf of the entity which,

(a) verifies that the individual is employed by or doing voluntary work for the eligible not-for-profit entity and that the individual’s employment or voluntary work falls within the meaning of the definition of eligible employment as set out in subsection 2 (1); and

(b) provides,

(i) evidence of the eligible not-for-profit entity’s status as a registered charity, in the case of an entity that is a registered charity, or

(ii) the eligible not-for-profit entity’s corporation number or legal name, in the case of an entity that is not a registered charity but is a corporation incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation or similar entity.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

Eligible not-for-profit entity

30.2 (1) An entity is an eligible not-for-profit entity for the purposes of this Regulation if,

(a) the entity is a registered charity within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and is in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency; or

(b) the entity is a corporation incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation or similar entity under an Act of Canada or a province or territory of Canada and is in good standing under the Act.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

(2) The following are not eligible not-for-profit entities for the purposes of this Regulation:

1. The Government of Canada or a municipal, provincial or territorial government in Canada or an agency of any such government.

2. A local board within the meaning of subsection 1 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and a local board within the meaning of subsection 3 (1) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

3. A district social service administration board within the meaning of subsection 1 (1) of the District Social Services Administration Boards Act.

4. Revoked: O. Reg. 405/17, s. 1.

5. An elementary, secondary or post-secondary educational institution, whether or not it receives regular operating grants from Canada or a province or territory of Canada.

6. A public hospital within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act or a private hospital within the meaning of the Private Hospitals Act.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2; O. Reg. 405/17, s. 1.

(3) A registered charitable foundation associated with an entity described in subsection (2) may be an eligible not-for-profit entity for the purposes of this Regulation.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

(4) Where an individual is employed by or does voluntary work for an entity described in subsection (2) and the entity is a registered charity that meets the requirements of clause (1) (a), the individual may be deemed to meet the requirements of eligible employment with an eligible not-for-profit entity if the Minister is satisfied that the individual’s employment or voluntary work consists entirely or predominately of administering or promoting the charitable activities of the entity.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), examples of administering or promoting charitable activities include raising charitable donations and administering charitable funds.  O. Reg. 216/12, s. 2.

Exception

30.3 (1) Despite subsection 30 (1), an individual is not required to make payments toward the interest accruing under a student loan agreement, a master student loan agreement or a consolidated loan agreement until the first day of the 13th month immediately following the month in which the individual ceased to be both a qualifying student and an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student, where the Minister determines that,

(a) the individual is the sole or joint owner or controlling shareholder of a business operating in Ontario;

(b) the business was started or acquired by the individual in the calendar year in which the individual submits his or her application under this section or within the two previous calendar years;

(c) the business is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency; and

(d) the individual is working a minimum of 30 hours per week in the business. O. Reg. 280/13, s. 3; O. Reg. 71/19, s. 3; O. Reg. 85/23, s. 8.

(2) To be eligible for a determination under subsection (1), an individual must submit a completed application form, as approved by the Minister, to the service provider before the end of the six-month period set out in subsection 30 (1). O. Reg. 280/13, s. 3.

(3) The application form shall include an attestation, in a form approved by the Minister, that is to be completed by the applicant attesting that he or she meets the requirements set out in subsection (1). O. Reg. 280/13, s. 3.

Repayment terms

31. (1) The term for the repayment of a student loan is to be determined by the Minister in consultation with the borrower.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 31 (1); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

(2) The borrower is entitled to repay all or part of the student loan, without notice or bonus to the Minister, before the period for repayment specified in the consolidated loan agreement expires.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 31 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

(3) The obligation to repay a student loan terminates upon the death of the borrower.  O. Reg. 123/10, s. 7.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 18.

(5) Instalments of the repayment of a student loan are to be applied first to interest accrued to the date of the payment and then to the outstanding principal.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 31 (5).

Amendment to prevent default

32. The Minister and borrower may amend their consolidated loan agreement if the borrower notifies the Minister that the terms of the agreement are such that he or she will be in default and if the Minister considers that an amendment to the agreement will enable the borrower to meet his or her obligations under the agreement.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 32; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

Initial Reduction of Principal

Ontario Student Opportunity Grant

33. (1) This section applies if an individual receives (and is entitled to receive) student loans under this Regulation or loans under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act for at least two academic terms during a 12-month period that begins on or after August 1, 2001 but before August 1, 2017. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (1).

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), this section does not apply in respect of student loans that have been successfully rehabilitated under section 42.5 of this Regulation, as it read on March 9, 2017, or section 54 of the 2017 Regulation. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (1).

(2) In the case of a 12-month period that begins on or after August 1, 2001 but before August 1, 2010, after the 12-month period expires, the principal amount of the loans given to the individual for all academic terms that began during the period is reduced by the amount, if any, greater than zero that is calculated using the formula,

(A + B) – ($3,500 × C)

in which,

  “A” is the total principal amount of the student loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under this Regulation for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period,

  “B” is the total principal amount of the loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period, and

  “C” is the number of academic terms that began during the 12-month period and in respect of which the individual received a student loan under this Regulation or a loan under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act.

O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (2); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 22 (1); O. Reg. 123/10, s. 8 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (2, 3).

(3) Despite subsection (2) and subject to subsection (4), if the individual described in that subsection is granted a scholarship under subsection 27 (1) of the Budget Implementation Act, 1998 (Canada) for one or more of the academic terms that begin during the 12-month period, the principal amount of the student loans given to the individual for all academic terms that begin during that period is reduced by the amount that is the greater of,

(a) $25; or

(b) the amount calculated by adding $500 to the amount calculated in accordance with the formula set out in subsection (2).  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (3).

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the amount calculated under clause (3) (b) is less than zero.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (4).

(4.1) In the case of a 12-month period that begins on or after August 1, 2010 but before August 1, 2015, after the 12-month period expires, the principal amount of the loans given to the individual for all academic terms that began during the period is reduced by the amount, if any, greater than zero that is calculated using the formula,

(A + B) – ($3,650 × C)

in which,

  “A” is the total principal amount of the student loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under this Regulation for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period,

  “B” is the total principal amount of the loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period, and

  “C” is the number of academic terms that began during the 12-month period and in respect of which the individual received a student loan under this Regulation or a loan under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act.

O. Reg. 123/10, s. 8 (3); O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (4, 5).

(4.2) In the case of a 12-month period that begins on or after August 1, 2015 but before August 1, 2017, after the 12-month period expires, the principal amount of the loans given to the individual for all academic terms that began during the period is reduced by the amount, if any, greater than zero that is calculated using the formula,

(A + B) – (C × D)

in which,

  “A” is the total principal amount of the student loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under this Regulation for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period,

  “B” is the total principal amount of the loans that the individual received and was entitled to receive under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act for all academic terms that began during the 12-month period,

  “C” is the number of academic terms that began during the 12-month period and in respect of which the individual received a student loan under this Regulation or a loan under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, and

  “D” is the amount calculated under subsection (4.3).

O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (3); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (6-8).

(4.3) The variable “D” in subsection (4.2) is the amount calculated using the formula,

(E + F) × G × 0.6

in which,

  “E” is the maximum weekly amount of a loan for a single student for the academic year, as calculated under section 17,

“F” is the maximum weekly amount of a federal student loan for a single student for the academic year, and

  “G” is 17 weeks, which is the typical length of one academic term.

O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (3); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (9).

(4.4) If the amount calculated under subsection (4.3) is not a multiple of $50, the amount shall be rounded up or down to the nearest amount that is a multiple of $50. O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (3).

(5) If the individual withdrew or was expelled from one or more academic terms during the 12-month period before completing the term, the term is not considered for the purposes of this section and any loan or scholarship the individual received for the term must not be included in the calculations under subsections (2), (3), (4.1) and (4.2).  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (5); O. Reg. 123/10, s. 8 (4); O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (4).

(6) The Minister may determine that subsection (5) does not apply with respect to an individual’s academic term, after the Minister considers the particular facts and the special circumstances of the individual.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (6).

(7) For the purposes of this section, the number of academic terms during a 12-month period is determined using the following Table, and is based on the number of weeks during the 12-month period in which the individual is enrolled in an approved program of study at an approved institution.

table

Number of Weeks of Enrolment

Number of Academic Terms

Less than 12 weeks

0

12 weeks or more, up to 21 weeks

1

21 weeks or more, up to 41 weeks

2

41 weeks or more, up to and including 52 weeks

3

O. Reg. 268/01, s. 33 (7); O. Reg. 119/07, s. 22 (2).

(8) Despite subsections (1), (2), (4.1) and (4.2), the principal amount of student loans given to an individual for all academic terms that begin during the 12-month period shall not be reduced under this section until,

(a) the individual and his or her expected contributors file with the Canada Revenue Agency an income tax return with respect to the period in question; and

(b) the Minister has verified with the Canada Revenue Agency the financial information provided by the individual and his or her expected contributors in the individual’s application for a certificate of loan approval for that period. O. Reg. 168/04, s. 19 (2); O. Reg. 123/10, s. 8 (5); O. Reg. 254/14, s. 7 (5).

(9) Despite anything in this section, an individual shall not receive a reduction in the principal amount owing on his or her student loans under this section if he or she,

(a) was granted repayment assistance at the debt reduction stage in respect of the student loans under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation or under sections 35 to 40.7 of this Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, and he or she is not an individual described in clause (b);

(b) has a permanent disability and was granted repayment assistance at the debt reduction stage in respect of the student loans under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation or under sections 35 to 40.7 of this Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, and at least 60 months has elapsed since he or she last was a qualifying student; or

(c) was granted a reduction of the amount outstanding under the student loans under section 40.2 of this Regulation, as it read on October 31, 2010 or under section 9.4 of the pre-2001 Regulation, as it read on October 31, 2010. O. Reg. 333/10, s. 14; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (10).

(9.1) An individual who fails to meet the requirements under clauses (8) (a) and (b) within six years of the end of the 12-month period during which the individual received student loans is not entitled to a reduction under this section.  O. Reg. 123/10, s. 8 (6).

(9.2) After the Minister considers the particular facts and the special circumstances of an individual and his or her expected contributors, if any, the Minister may determine that clauses (8) (a) and (b) do not apply with respect to the individual or his or her expected contributors. O. Reg. 280/13, s. 4.

(10) An individual who, before May 11, 2004, became a bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or entered into a recognized arrangement for debt settlement shall not be entitled to a reduction under this section of any principal amount of a student loan received by the individual that was outstanding at the time the bankruptcy occurred or the arrangement was entered into.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 19 (2).

(11) In this section,

“federal student loan” means a loan made by the Government of Canada under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act  or the Canada Student Loans Act. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 18 (11).

Repayment to Minister

34. If the total principal amount owing on an individual’s student loans is reduced by an amount greater than the amount required by section 33, the Minister may require the individual to pay the difference to the Minister of Finance. O. Reg. 268/01, s. 34; O. Reg. 254/14, s. 8.

35.-40.8 Revoked: O. Reg. 72/17, s. 19.

Default on a Student Loan

What constitutes default

41. A borrower is in default of his or her obligations to repay student loans if he or she,

(a) unequivocally refuses to pay the loans; or

(b) is in arrears by at least three months under the consolidated loan agreement or under the arrangement established by the Minister under section 29, as a result of failing to make monthly payments on at least three separate occasions.  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 16; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

Consequences of default

42. (1) When a borrower is in default of his or her obligation to repay student loans, the loans are due and payable on the following date:

1. If the default occurs because the borrower unequivocally refuses to pay the loans, the day of the refusal.

2. If the default occurs because the borrower fails to make monthly payments on at least three separate occasions, the day of the third missed payment.  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 17.

(2) When a borrower’s loans are due and payable, the Minister may take such measures as the Minister considers advisable in the circumstances, including amending the consolidated loan agreement or collecting the loans.  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 17; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 26.

(3) When a borrower defaults on his or her obligation to make payments under a consolidated loan agreement, or an arrangement established by the Minister under section 29, the Minister may,

(a) deny the borrower the status of a qualifying student under section 24 or 25 or subsection 27 (2) during a period of study during which he or she does not receive a student loan;

(a.1) deny the borrower the status of an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant student under section 26 or 27 or subsection 28 (2) during a period of study under subsection 7 (2) of the 2023 Regulation during which they do not receive an Ontario Learn and Stay Grant;

(b) refuse the borrower any repayment assistance under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation; or

(c) deny the borrower a reduction in the amount of principal outstanding under the consolidated loan agreement under section 33. O. Reg. 333/10, s. 17; O. Reg. 254/14, s. 14; O. Reg. 72/17, s. 20, 26; O. Reg. 85/23, s. 9.

Restrictions on Future Eligibility for Student Loans and other Benefits under this Regulation

Minister’s determination

42.1 (1) The Minister may determine that an individual shall not be eligible, for such period as the Minister may determine, to receive a certificate of loan approval if any of the following circumstances exist:

1. The individual has not given the Minister all of the information and documents required by the Minister to administer the program of award, grants or student loans which the individual has received under the Act, including information about the individual’s academic status, financial status or family status during a period of study.

2. The individual has given the Minister incorrect information relating to a student loan or to a program of awards, grants or bursaries made by the Government of Ontario under the Act, the Government of Canada or the government of any other province or territory of Canada or of any other country, or has not informed the Minister promptly about any change to information previously given to the Minister.

3. The individual has been convicted of an offence under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, the Canada Student Loans Act or the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) involving fraud or theft in respect of any student assistance program or a loan, grant or award made by the Government of Ontario under the Act, the Government of Canada or the government of any other province or territory.

4. The Minister considers, after consulting with the approved institutions at which the individual has been enrolled, that the individual has not made satisfactory progress in a program of study.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26; O. Reg. 119/07, s. 27 (1); O. Reg. 770/20, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 85/23, s. 10 (1).

(2) If any of the circumstances described in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of subsection (1) exist, the Minister may determine that the individual, in addition to being ineligible for a certificate of loan approval, shall, for such period as the Minister may determine, not be eligible for any of the following types of benefits available under this Regulation or the 2020 Regulation with respect to the repayment of the individual’s outstanding student loans and outstanding micro-credential student loans:

1. Retaining the status of a qualifying student under section 24 or 25 or subsection 27 (2) during a period of study during which the individual does not receive a student loan.

1.1 Retaining the status of a qualifying student under section 23 or 24 of the 2020 Regulation during a period of study during which the individual does not receive a micro-credential student loan or micro-credential grant.

2. Repayment assistance under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation.

3. Severe permanent disability benefits under section 48 of the 2017 Regulation.

4. Revoked:  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 19 (2).

O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26; O. Reg. 333/10, s. 19 (1, 2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 22 (1, 2); O. Reg. 770/20, s. 3 (2, 3).

(3) Upon making a determination under this section, the Minister shall give the individual notice of the determination and of the length of the period of ineligibility.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26.

(4) The period of ineligibility begins on the day specified in the notice given and shall be for a period of up to five years as the Minister may determine, subject to subsection (5).  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26.

(5) If a determination of ineligibility is made under this section because of the existence of circumstances described in paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of subsection (1), the period of ineligibility shall continue until the later of,

(a) the end of the period specified by the Minister in the notice; and

(b) the day the individual repays all amounts of principal and interest outstanding on student loans previously made to the individual under the Act and repays to the Minister any of the following amounts that the Minister may require the individual to repay in the notice of determination:

(i) Any awards or grants made to the individual by the Minister under the Act.

(ii) The amount of any interest paid by the Minister on behalf of the individual as a result of an individual’s obligations to pay principal and interest being suspended under section 26 of this Regulation and section 22 of the 2020 Regulation.

(iii) The amount of any reduction of the amount of principal outstanding under a consolidated loan agreement granted to the individual under section 33.

(iii.1) The amount of any assistance provided by the Minister as part of any repayment assistance granted to the individual under sections 35 to 40.7 of this Regulation, as those sections read on March 9, 2017, or under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation.

(iii.2) The amount of any severe permanent disability benefit granted to the individual under section 40.8 of this Regulation, as that section read on March 9, 2017, or under section 48 of the 2017 Regulation.

(iii.3) The amount of any reduction of the amount of principal outstanding under a consolidated loan agreement granted to the individual under section 40.2, as that section read on October 31, 2010.

(iv) The amount of any payments that were suspended under section 36, 39 or 39.1, as those sections read on October 31, 2010 and any interest thereon.

(v) The amount of any principal and interest outstanding under a consolidated loan agreement at the time the individual’s payment obligations under the agreement were terminated under section 40.4 as that section read on October 31, 2010.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26; O. Reg. 333/10, s. 19 (3-6); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 22 (3); O. Reg. 770/20, s. 3 (4); O. Reg. 85/23, s. 10 (2, 3).

(6) An individual who is the subject of a determination under subsection (1) shall not receive a reduction under section 33 of any amount of principal on student loans outstanding at the time of the determination.  O. Reg. 168/04, s. 26.

(7) Despite subsection (6) and subject to subsection (8), at the end of the period of ineligibility specified by the Minister in the notice under subsection (1), the Minister may, having regard to the particular facts and special circumstances of the individual, determine that the amount of principal outstanding on student loans shall be reduced in accordance with section 33 if the individual is otherwise eligible for the reduction.  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 27 (2).

(8) A reduction granted under subsection (7) shall not be granted with respect to any student loans received for a particular period of study if,

(a) the student loan was received based on incorrect or incomplete information as described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection (1);

(b) the period of study in respect of which the loan was granted is the period of study during which,

(i) the individual committed the act or omission which led to a conviction referred to in paragraph 3 of subsection (1), or

(ii) the individual failed to make satisfactory progress resulting in a determination by the Minister under paragraph 4 of subsection (1).  O. Reg. 119/07, s. 27 (2).

(9) If the Minister makes a determination before November 1, 2010 that an individual is ineligible for a specified period for any of the types of relief from repayment obligations under a consolidated loan agreement referred to in paragraph 2 or 3 of subsection (2), as those paragraphs read on October 31, 2010, and if the specified ineligibility period is still in effect on November 1, 2010, then the individual is deemed to be ineligible for repayment assistance under sections 36 to 47 of the 2017 Regulation for the remainder of the ineligibility period.  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 19 (7); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 22 (4).

(10) If the Minister makes a determination before November 1, 2010 that an individual is ineligible for a specified period for the relief from repayment obligations under a consolidated loan agreement referred to in paragraph 4 of subsection (2), as that paragraph read on October 31, 2010, and if the specified ineligibility period is still in effect on November 1, 2010, then the individual is deemed to be ineligible for the severe permanent disability benefit under section 48 of the 2017 Regulation for the remainder of the ineligibility period.  O. Reg. 333/10, s. 19 (7); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 22 (5).

42.2-42.6 Revoked: O. Reg. 72/17, s. 23.

General

43., 44. Revoked: O. Reg. 72/17, s. 23.

Effect of false statements

45. (1) If a service provider discovers that a document pertaining to a student loan contains a false statement, the service provider shall promptly report the matter to the Minister.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 45 (1); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 24 (1).

(2) Upon discovering that the document contains a false statement, the service provider may take any action that he, she or it considers appropriate in the circumstances, with the approval of the Minister.  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 45 (2); O. Reg. 72/17, s. 24 (2).

Officers authorized to issue certificates

46. The Deputy Minister and the Director, Student Financial Assistance Branch of the Ministry, are authorized to approve loans under section 8 of the Act. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 25.

Authority of service providers

47. A service provider may act on behalf of the Minister in exercising rights and performing duties under this Regulation, if authorized to do so by the Minister. O. Reg. 72/17, s. 25.

48. Omitted (provides for coming into force of provisions of this Regulation).  O. Reg. 268/01, s. 48.

 

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