Ontario investing $1.7B in healthcare, STEM, education, skilled trades

Ontario is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 new post-secondary spaces in high-demand sectors like healthcare, STEM, education and the skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province.

The province has moved quickly since launching the new funding model in February, investing $975 million to fund 30,000 more seats in healthcare, STEM and education.

Earlier this month, the provincial government announced they are investing over $345 million at McMaster University and Mohawk College.

In April, Ontario revealed its $57 million investment into Indigenous education and sustainability.

“Ontario’s universities welcome the provincial government’s expansion of 40,000 new student spaces, building on the 30,000 spaces announced earlier this year,” President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities Steve Orsini says.

“Together, these investments will help more students access high-demand programs while reinforcing the critical role universities play in developing the highly skilled talent, research capacity and innovation needed to strengthen Ontario’s economy and build the industries of the future.”

READ MORE: Ontario investing over $345M at McMaster University, Mohawk College

As part of the government’s new $6.4 billion post-secondary funding model, this investment will protect students’ access to the education they need to launch successful careers with good-paying, in-demand jobs.

“This investment will prepare tens of thousands of new students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow that strengthen local workforces and protect Ontario’s economy for generations to come,” Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security says.

Colleges and universities will submit a growth plan to the government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands, as part of the call for proposals. The first of these seats will be open for students this fall.

President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Daniel Tisch says economic growth depends on talent, which is why the Ontario Chamber continues to invest in expanding the capacity of high-demand fields.

President and CEO of Colleges Ontario Maureen Adamson says Ontario’s institutions have a proven track record of delivering career-focused and employer-responsive education.

READ MORE: Ontario announces $57 million investment into Indigenous education, sustainability