Finances have become a major talking point in the era of COVID-19, with many Ryerson students facing tough decisions about their education and some businesses near campus worrying about their viability. In this episode of the On The Record podcast, your hosts, TJ Dhir and Thomas Desormeaux, examine two issues: tuition costs and the plight of small businesses.

Some Ryerson students say they are not being supported adequately by the school, and are calling for tuition fees to be decreased. Meanwhile, the quality of education has decreased, according to the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). On The Record reporter Fiona O’Flynn reports on what students have said online and how they are taking action.

Those who own or operate small businesses have also been feeling the effects of the pandemic. Some stores have had to close their doors due to capacity restrictions and what they say is a lack of government support. Some have had to make other changes. On The Record reporter Emma Moore reports on how the Silver Snail comic book store decided to make a move out of Ryerson’s neighbourhood and back to its old home in Trinity-Bellwoods.

Change.org petition to lower Ryerson tuition fees for online semesters

OCUFA survey illustrating declining education quality

Details about the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant

Fiona O’Flynn – reporter, On The Record

Emma Moore – reporter, On The Record

Demand for lower tuition continues despite return to in-person classes

The Silver Snail moves from Yonge Street after 9 years