A Seat at the Table: OTSU's Delegation on Bill 166

Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024, is being amended. The Bill, put forth by Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, amends the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act with respect to colleges of applied arts and technology and publicly-assisted universities. The amendments include the following:

1. Every college and university is required to have a student mental health policy that describes the programs, policies, services and supports available at the college or university in respect of student mental health.

1. Every college and university is required to have policies and rules to address and combat racism and hate, including but not limited to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.

1. The Minister is authorized to issue directives in relation to the information to be provided about the costs associated with attendance at the college or university.

On April 16, 2024, the OTSU was invited to speak in front of the Standing Committee on Social Policy regarding Bill 166: Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The Bill touches on many issues, such as addressing the high demand for student mental health services, supporting anti-hate processes, and cost transparency.

At the delegation, the OTSU stood before MPPs at Queen’s Park (kind of of a big deal!) to make the following key points based on its research and student feedback:

• Including a description of the student input process alongside institutions’ Student Mental Health Policies;
• Expanding the understanding of “Student Mental Health Services” to include Indigenous Centres, DEI Offices, and student-facing departments to allow for additional support for these services;
• Aligned with OUSA, advocating for a Provincial Advisory Committee including students and key stakeholders to advise on policies being developed at post-secondary institutions;
• Mandate that all institution-based mental health care providers receive training on providing accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant counselling and referrals to diverse populations.

You can see the full OTSU delegation transcript below.