USC Cautiously Optimistic on the Federal Government’s Investment in Students’ Futures

November 10, 2025 – LONDON, ON The University Students’ Council at Western University (USC) appreciates the Government of Canada’s inclusion of funding for post-secondary students in the 2025 Federal Budget, Our Plan: Building Canada Strong, unveiled earlier this week. 

Over the last few months, USC President, Kathleena Henricus, and VP External Affairs, Omar Sayyed, met with government officials and staffers across several ministries to share student priorities ahead of the 2025 federal budget launch. In the current economic and political climate, where youth unemployment has increased to 14.7%, and student life has become increasingly unaffordable, our budget recommendations to the government focused on: 

• Sustained and permanent investment in Canada Student Grants (CSG)
• Dedicated financing for purpose-built student housing 
• Increased investment in work-integrated learning opportunities through programs like the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) 
• The prioritization of high-speed rail through London 
• Increased investments in the Tri-Council for undergraduate research. 

Budget 2025 protects CSG funding for one more year and provides an increase in SWPP to 55,000 jobs, presenting students with more opportunities to integrate into the labour market post-grad. But this budget falls short when it comes to permanent solutions that address the affordability crisis students are currently facing, support undergraduates in aiding Canadian innovation, and provide adequate investment in student housing and undergraduate research. 

 “We’re grateful for the opportunity to share student perspectives and the real life impact government programs and funding have on students in our generation,” said Sayyed. “But further collaboration and government response is needed in order to provide students with the financial relief we need for the future we deserve.” 

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The University Students’ Council (USC) is a student-led organization that first and foremost exists to advocate for and represent undergraduate students at Western University. Since 1965, we have grown beyond an advocacy organization, becoming one of the largest student governments in Canada and one of the largest nonprofits in London. Each day, we work to support, improve and enhance your student experience, because we believe that students have the power to change the world.

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact: 

Rebecca Rebeiro
Senior Manager, Communications 
University Students’ Council 
rebecca.rebeiro@westernusc.ca 
519-661-2111 x80211