FREE FOOD & 1280 Wings Everyone!
On a more serious note it is essential that ALOT of you attend if possible. Even if you don't feel like questioning the OSAP officials or contributing just be there as a show of numbers. The thing here is that the officials are here to gauge where student opinion on OSAP stands! If there is just random small number of people hanging about it doesn't look good when he takes his report/video/photos back to Ottawa!
OUSA actually has two full time employees based in Ottawa who lobby government officials on the behalf of over 100,000 Ontario students. If we want the government to take notice we have to show that we have mad beef against the current system of OSAP awards and some of the more ridiculous bylaws in it!
Eg: If you live within 30km's of McMaster you don't get commuting expense allowance. Which is sort of silly since if someone lives 25 Km's away it is impossible to take the HSR! He WILL have expenses!
Another one was that if you work and earn more then $50 a week(correct me if I'm wrong here!) you get a certain amount deducted. A case example is an aquaintence of mine whose father was laid off due to the industrial crisis and hence he has to provide for rent/expenses by working. Which in turn lowers his OSAP award which means he has to work some more!
Some of the bylaws and stipulations for OSAP really need re-evaluation and it won't be possible unless YOU come out in force and show the officials that it isn't working!
I don't know the exact details but OUSA has been succesful in the past in getting concessions; it isn't some random focus group! I believe the textbook and technology grant that alot of you benefit from is their work!
Soo please come out everyone even if you aren't on OSAP! Its just an hour's worth of your time!
