Bill 33 Opposition Campaign
What is Bill 33
Bill 33 is an omnibus bill currently at Second Reading that bundles unrelated reforms affecting child welfare, K-12 education, and post-secondary institutions. Schedule 3 of the bill targets colleges and universities through three dangerous provisions:
- Fee Regulations (Section 21.1): Gives Cabinet authority over student union fees, threatening health/dental plans, food programs, legal support, and advocacy services
- Merit-Based Admissions (Section 16.0.2): Allows Cabinet to control university admissions criteria, risking equity programs and comprehensive assessment
- Research Security Plans (Section 20.1): Mandates unfunded security plans that could cost universities $400,000+ annually and drive away international talent
This echoes the Student Choice Initiative (SCI) that courts struck down in 2019 for violating university autonomy and student self-governance.
UTGSU is leading a coalition campaign with students’ unions, labour organizations, and community groups to stop this attack on student autonomy and post-secondary education.
Goal
To secure the complete withdrawal of Bill 33 and protect student democracy, institutional autonomy, and equitable access to post-secondary education across Ontario.
Strategies
Secure policy commitments from progressive parties to protect student autonomy and end government interference
Build a provincial coalition with students’ unions, faculty associations, labour partners, and community organizations opposing Bill 33
Present evidence-based deputations at legislative committee hearings when Bill 33 proceeds
Commission legal analysis of Bill 33’s constitutional vulnerabilities, building on the successful 2019 SCI challenge
Target key MPPs for formal opposition support through coordinated advocacy
Mobilize students through protests, rallies, and direct action at Queens Park
Develop alternative legislation emphasizing student democracy and institutional autonomy
Current Actions
📄 Bill 33: The Attack on Your Student Services – Read Our Statement
Bill 33 threatens to dismantle the student services you depend on: your health coverage, food programs, legal support, and the unions that advocate for your rights. The Ford provincial government wants veto power over democratically-approved student fees and control over university admissions, all while providing the lowest provincial per-student funding in Canada. Read our full statement to better understand what’s at stake, how this bill directly impacts you, and how we’re fighting back together. This isn’t just policy; it’s an attack on student democracy.
✊ Stop Bill 33: Rally at Queen’s Park – Monday, October 20th
Monday, October 20 | 10:00 AM
UofT Meet Up: Hart House Circle, where Hart House Circle meets King’s College Circle
Main Rally: Queen’s Park, South Lawn, 111 Wellesley Avenue, Toronto
A coalition of groups organizing against Bill 33 is gathering at Queen’s Park to oppose the unprecedented provincial bill targeting primary, secondary and post-secondary education. Organized by Policing-Free Schools, this rally provides a united front against the provincial bill that aims to have increased authority over democratically elected school boards, the presence of police in primary and secondary schools, and the overall attacks on all three levels of education in Ontario.
🎤 Bill 33: What’s at Stake for Students? – Town Hall
Wednesday, October 22 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Woodsworth College, Room 126 (119 St. George Street)
Join us for an engaging town hall discussion on Bill 33 and what it means for students. Learn, ask questions, and explore how you can get involved in shaping the future of education policy.
Guest Speaker: Jessica Bell, Member of Provincial Parliament (University–Rosedale)
Food and drinks provided
Let’s talk about what’s at stake and how we can take action together.
📧 Take Action Now
Write to Your MPP
Use this tool to send a letter to your Member of Provincial Parliament opposing Bill 33.
Letter Writing Tool
Endorse Hands Off Our Education Campaign
Add your name and organization to the growing list of supporters opposing Bill 33.
Sign the Endorsement
Learn More About the Coalition
Visit Hands Off Our Education for more information about the broader campaign.
Hands Off Our Education
Contact Policing-Free Schools
Learn more about their organizing efforts against Schedule 2 of Bill 33.
Take Action with Policing-Free Schools
Resources
- Read Bill 33 Full Text – Ontario Legislature
- OHRC Submission on Bill 33 – Ontario Human Rights Commission analysis
- UTGSU Full Statement – Comprehensive analysis of Bill 33’s impacts
- Hands Off Our Education – Coalition campaign hub
- Policing-Free Schools Ontario – Organizing against Schedule 2
Get Involved
This fight requires every student’s voice. Whether you can attend a protest, share information on social media, contact your MPP, or join our organizing meetings; every action matters.
Contact the Vice-President External at external@utgsu.ca
Students organized. Students united. Students will not be silenced.