On March 20, 2026, WeRPN sent a letter to the Ontario government outlining concerns about recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and their impact on Practical Nurse (PN) students and the province’s healthcare workforce. While recognizing the government’s investments in nursing education, the letter cautions that the shift toward a funding model with a higher proportion of loans and fewer grants may create new barriers for students.
The letter highlights that increased reliance on loans could place a greater financial burden on aspiring RPNs—particularly those from low-income, rural, and underrepresented communities—at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already high. Given the demanding nature of PN programs, which limit students’ ability to work while studying, these changes risk discouraging enrollment and completion, ultimately affecting access to education and the diversity of the future nursing workforce.
WeRPN further underscores the potential long-term implications for healthcare workforce sustainability, noting that reduced access to nursing education could limit the number of qualified graduates entering the system. The organization calls for continued collaboration with government to ensure OSAP remains equitable and effective, supporting students while strengthening Ontario’s healthcare capacity.