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Province promises OSAP debt forgiveness for Everest students

The Ontario government said it's making OSAP debt assistance available to Everest College students left in the lurch after the school shut down.
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All of Everest College's 14 campuses — including the one in Sudbury — have been shut down. Supplied photo.
The Ontario government said it's making OSAP debt assistance available to Everest College students left in the lurch after the school shut down.

Everest, a private career college with 14 locations, including one in Sudbury, closed after the province suspended the company's licence, fearing it could no longer be “financially responsible” for the schools' operation.

Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Reza Moridi said in a press statement the province is limiting student debt by ensuring that the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant is available to all eligible Everest students, even those who choose to apply for a refund.

Usually it is only provided upon completion of the training program, but for all eligible students, their OSAP debt will be limited to $7,300 for a two-term academic year, or $10,950 for three terms, regardless of how much they borrowed.

Under provincial rules, a $3 million liability fund paid into by Everest has also been set aside for the students' training completions or refunds.

“We are working as quickly as possible to make sure students can complete their training without jeopardizing their access to available support,” Moridi said.

“Ministry officials continue to work with students to either identify training completion opportunities or help them apply for refunds. A process is also in place to ensure that prior training received at Everest will be recognized towards the completion of their credential.”

Ministry officials have been on the ground at all Everest Campus to answer questions and provide information, she added.

Within 48 hours, nearly 50 officials had provided more than 40 information sessions to more than 2,000 students at all 14 campuses, she said.

“We are working extremely hard to help all impacted students and ensure as smooth a transition as possible during this difficult time,” Moridi said.

Meanwhile, Cambrian College has put out a press release saying it's committed to helping out Everest students in any way it can.

“Last week, the province pulled the operating license for all of Everest’s campuses, including the one in Sudbury,” the statement said.

“Cambrian has since been in regular contact with Everest College and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer our support regarding training completion, and will offer assistance to Everest students if and when needed.

Everest students can get more information about accessing and completing claim forms by emailing [email protected].

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