University and college will soon be free for low-income students in Ontario.
On the other hand, prices are going up on wine, tobacco, gasoline and heating for most homeowners.
The showcase pledge in the Liberal government's new budget is the introduction of an Ontario Student Grant that would pay for college or university tuition for students whose family incomes are $50,000 or less.
Many other students whose families have incomes of $83,000 or less will qualify for grants and the government says no student will receive less than they currently receive.
Facts and figures on free tuition initiatives
The Ontario government's 2016 budget includes a complete overhaul of the province's current assistance program, which Finance Minister Charles Sousa called "complex and convoluted." The minister said the new system will be more accessible but cost taxpayers roughly the same amount. Here's what the changes will mean for some of those who qualify:
University student living at home, tuition $6,160, family income of $45,000:
- Total expenses: $12,608
- Total assistance: $9,607 (down $1)
- Grant: $6,860 (up $3,109)
- Loan: $2,747 (down $3,110)
University student living at home, tuition $6,160, family income of $40,000, scholarship worth $5,000:
- Total expenses: $12,600
- Total assistance: $7,837
- Grant: $6,050 (up $2,299)
- Loan: $1,787 (down $1,079)
University student living in residence, tuition $6,160, family income of $80,000:
- Total expenses: $18,000
- Total assistance: $15,000 (up $2,257)
- Grant: $6,042 (up $699)
- Loan: $8,958 (up $1,558)
- Parents no longer expected to contribute
College student living at home, tuition $2,768, family income of $40,000:
- Total expenses: $8,900
- Total assistance: $5,914 (same)
- Grant: $5,383 (up $2,612)
- Loan: $531 (down $2,612)
College student living at home, tuition $2,768, family income of $80,000:
- Total expenses: $8,900
- Total assistance: $5,914 (up $1,533)
- Grant: $3,468 (up $1,827)
- Loan: $2,446 (up $294)
- Parents no longer expected to contribute
