Background

Full-time support staff at Ontario colleges are on strike as of September 11, 2025. The College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the two parties in the negotiations, did not reach an agreement.

Information

The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security is not a party in the collective bargaining process.

Find direction below on some frequently asked questions regarding the strike.

Contact your college for updates on the status of college operations. The following is for guidance only.

Class cancellations

Each local situation is unique. Contact your college directly for details on how classes are affected.

Graduation

The Ontario government does not set the timing or duration of the academic year. Colleges make the decision individually and by program. At this time, we cannot speculate on how the strike will impact the academic year.

OSAP

You can access financial services during the strike.

Producing and distributing loan documents from the ministry to colleges proceeds as usual.

Contact your college’s Financial Aid Office for more information about your OSAP application. If your Financial Aid Office hours are disrupted, contact your college to receive information and updates.

OSAP funding if classes are cancelled

If you receive OSAP and attend a college where your classes are cancelled, there may be a delay in receiving your funding. 

Contact your college’s Financial Aid Office or contact your college directly for more information about your OSAP application.

International student permits

If your classes are cancelled or deferred, you may be eligible for an authorized leave or be eligible to extend your study permit, depending on whether you meet the IRCC requirements.

Important: to protect your privacy, please do not share personal or private information via email to support your PAL request.

Disability support

Colleges have legal responsibilities to accommodate persons with disabilities. Colleges will communicate directly with their students to inform them of any changes to the availability of specific student services. We encourage students and families to contact their school administration for more details.

Academic counselling supports

Contact your college directly for details on where to access academic counselling supports.