The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) applauds the Ontario government’s 2011 budget, its commitment to strengthening the economy and particularly the recognition of postsecondary education as an investment in future economic and social development. 

“We appreciate the continued commitment to higher education,” says Sheldon Levy, COU Chair and President of Ryerson University. “Current and future students represent a powerful force in shaping our province’s future and Ontario university presidents are proud to contribute to this force through the provision of high quality university education.”

In a pre-budget announcement on Monday, the Ontario government announced the addition of 60,000 higher education spaces within a multi-year funding framework for growth. 

“The government’s investment in the preparation of an educated workforce represents an important contribution to our economic competitiveness, and is particularly appreciated in these tough fiscal times,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, COU President and CEO. “Ontario universities also appreciate the government’s commitment to a multi-year funding framework that will provide stability and predictability to enrolment and budget planning for our institutions. We will work with the government on the roll out of the framework.”

Additional spaces over the next five years come on the heels of the significant expansion that has occurred since 2003. Ontario universities have welcomed an additional 75,000 university students since then, which amounts to adding a universiy the size of the University of Toronto. 

“We look forward to working with the government on a capital plan that will expand and improve classroom and laboratory space to accommodate the growth in enrolments,” says Patterson.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Grass
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs 
416-979-4341
jgrass@cou.on.ca