“Crazy Marxist nonsense”: IGNITE and Ford’s new financial plan

Breanne Coulter

Updated: Feb. 28, 2019.

The Globe and Mail reported that Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused Ontario student unions of “crazy Marxist nonsense” in a fundraising e-mail this week.

This statement follows recent post-secondary funding changes which will give Ontario students the option to opt out of student union fees.

The Twitter hashtag #crazymarxistnonsense has been an outlet for Ontarians to voice their opinions on the Premier’s statement.

Is there someone I’m supposed to call if I witness crazy Marxist nonsense?

I want to do my part! #onpoli #McCarthy #CrazyMarxistNonsense pic.twitter.com/CApZJf51LA

— Jim Calder 🇨🇦 (@progright) February 11, 2019

Humber News’ Twitter account tweeted out the benefits that IGNITE has brought to students.

Over 9,000 free menstrual kits are offered to Humber Students #crazymarxistnonsense pic.twitter.com/kivwJ0AF3b

— Humber News (@HumberOnline) February 11, 2019

Humber’s pay what you can soup bar has fed over 4,000 students since September #crazymarxistnonsense pic.twitter.com/MGJl62Wtma

— Humber News (@HumberOnline) February 11, 2019

IGNITE, Humber’s student union, represents over 28,000 students across three campuses and collected $76.45 in “mandatory student government” fees and $86.74 for “mandatory student insurance” per student this semester. IGNITE published a letter to Ford addressing the changes made to post-secondary finances, outlining how these fees are used to benefit students.

Excerpt from IGNITE letter to Doug Ford // Jan. 31

IGNITE presidential candidate Margarita Bader spoke about the post-secondary financial changes at this week’s Presidential Mix n’ Mingle.

“The amount of money that students pay for the fee to IGNITE is so so little compared to the amount of opportunities and things that they gain,” Bader said.

Graham Budgeon, IGNITE Vice President at Lakeshore Campus, commented on Ford’s statement via e-mail. 

“We strongly disagree with the Premier’s stance on student unions,” Budgeon said.

IGNITE sent out a media release outlining the union’s stance on the “crazy Marxist” claim.

“We sincerely hope that this is not the Premier’s actual perception of student unions in this province,” IGNITE said. “The Premier’s statements devalue the work that student unions do on our campuses, in our communities, and across our province as ‘nonsense.'”