A simple red felt square, a symbol of student resistance from Quebec’s 2012 protests, is reappearing on Ontario university campuses. Volunteers distributed these pins at the University of Waterloo’s Student Life Centre on Monday, marking ‘Red Square Day’ ahead of a major protest scheduled for Wednesday against planned changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
Campus Mobilization
Damien Mikhail, president of the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), accepted a red square pin and explained its significance: “The red square means that I value education not being gated behind income or family background. Everyone should have a fair shot at the life they’re pursuing.”
At Wilfrid Laurier University’s Waterloo campus, volunteers also handed out the symbols. Sociology student Nora Schwindt, who manages a protest Instagram page, noted the choice draws from Quebec’s 2011-2012 demonstrations. “We’re adopting this symbol because protesters there successfully reversed government plans. It’s a known emblem that can amplify our efforts,” she said.
Similar events occurred at campuses including the University of Ottawa, McMaster University in Hamilton, Brock University in St. Catharines, Humber College in Toronto, Western University in London, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Durham College in Oshawa. The University of Guelph’s Central Student Association hosted its event on Tuesday.
OSAP Changes Spark Outrage
The province announced OSAP reforms last month, set to take effect this fall. Under the new structure, grants will comprise just 25 percent of aid, with loans rising to 75 percent—a stark shift from the prior 85 percent grants and 15 percent loans model.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has received thousands of complaints and advised students to prioritize practical programs like health care or trades over less job-focused courses. Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research, Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn described the adjustments as a worthwhile investment: “The long-term benefits of post-secondary education outweigh the financial challenges. It’s money well spent for students.”
Many students in the Waterloo region express discouragement over the cuts, with some opting out of post-secondary plans.
Roots in Quebec’s Student Strikes
In 2012, Quebec students protested tuition hikes with walkouts lasting seven months, using red squares—representing being ‘squarely in the red’ from debt—as their rallying symbol. Vincent Raynauld, an associate professor of communication studies at Emerson College who studies protest movements, sees the symbol’s return in Ontario as logical. “It’s a rallying cry against policies harming access to education,” he said.
Strike and Rally Plans
Hundreds of students plan to gather at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Wednesday, many wearing red squares. Provincial student unions urge participation or local solidarity actions. The University of Guelph’s Central Student Association, Conestoga Students Inc., and Laurier Student Union have voiced support.
At Waterloo, a WUSA vote saw 94 percent of 3,536 participants—over 10 percent of eligible voters—approve a strike. Students will walk out at 11 a.m. Wednesday, rallying near the Dana Porter Library. Mikhail emphasized the power of student action: “History shows governments respond when students unite. We carry that legacy to prove change is possible.”
