students are gathering on the front lawn of the legislature to protest, the Ford governments changes to OSAP
Two people face charges after a student protest at Queen’s Park in Toronto escalated into a confrontation with police Wednesday afternoon, according to the Toronto Police Service.
Officers said the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on March 4 during a large demonstration near the Ontario legislature. The protest drew students who voiced frustration over recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program, known as OSAP.
BREAKING: Toronto Police have been called to the Queen’s Park OSAP protest.
— Colin D’Mello | Global News (@ColinDMello) March 4, 2026
Protesters carried placards and shouted slogans including “hands off our education,” “no cuts, no fees,” and “free education now.” Some demonstrators also directed chants containing the F-word toward Premier Doug Ford.
Several students at the rally said they attended to push back against policy changes they believe place additional financial pressure on post secondary students.
“Students are already struggling with tuition, housing and basic living costs,” said Rishi Nagara, a student who attended the protest. “Cuts to financial aid only make higher education harder to access for people who are already trying to balance school and work.”
Kevin Stuart, another student demonstrator, said the protest aimed to highlight broader concerns about affordability in education.
“We are here to send a message that education should remain accessible,” Stuart said. “Many students rely on OSAP to continue their studies, and any reduction in support creates uncertainty about whether they will be able to finish their programs.”
Police allege the situation escalated when one participant spray painted a monument at the site. Officers attempted to arrest the individual, but investigators say several people in the crowd became aggressive and interfered with the arrest.
Investigators also allege a second individual “spat on” an officer during the confrontation.
Police arrested 22 year old Rohtansh Saini of Toronto. He faces a charge of mischief causing damage to property under $5,000. Mason Wallington, 21, of Hay River, Northwest Territories, faces a charge of assault on a peace officer.
Both men will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on April 17.
Police said the investigation continues and asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators.
