The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) welcomed the 2000 Ontario Budget, which provides new investment in research, capital and student assistance.

Dr. Paul Davenport, Chair of COU, and the President of The University of Western Ontario, reacted positively to the new research initiatives announced in today’s Budget, which included an expansion of the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, a tripling of the Ontario Innovation Trust, doubling of the Premier’s Research Excellence Awards, and a new Ontario Research Performance Fund to defray the overhead costs associated with Ontario-financed research.

“The Government is building on its exceptional record of investment in research over the past three years,” said Dr. Davenport. “The research initiatives announced in today’s Budget are good news for Ontario universities and reflect the priorities that universities and government identified collaboratively through the Working Group on University Research.”

“The Province is expanding some very successful programs, while recognizing the overhead costs associated with university-based research,” said Dr. Davenport. “Ontario universities join with Finance Minister Eves in calling upon the federal government to follow Ontario’s lead and likewise cover the indirect costs associated with federally sponsored research.”

“The Government has also provided significant new resources for the SuperBuild program. The addition of $286 million will help colleges and universities build new classrooms and labs, while upgrading existing facilities. This expansion of physical capacity will further help universities prepare for the huge demand pressures expected over this decade,” said Dr. Davenport. “Although the Budget does not commit further operating funds for enrolment expansion and quality enhancement, universities understand that constructing new facilities constitutes a significant first step toward an overall plan for dealing with increased future enrolments. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to complete and implement this plan.”

Dr. Ian Clark, President of Council of Ontario Universities, spoke of the Budget’s measures in aid of students and improved tax treatment of donations.

“The Government has tabled an array of initiatives that will help students. The improved income exemptions will allow students to keep more of the money they earn. The greater number and higher value of the Ontario Graduate Scholarships along with the expansion of the Ontario-Work Study Program will help students meet their education costs,” said Dr. Clark. “The new Educational Technology Tax Incentive should help colleges and universities acquire more advanced teaching equipment and learning technologies and improve the educational experience of students.”

For further information:

Arnice Cadieux
Executive Director, Public Affairs
(416) 979-2165 ext. 224

Dr. Paul Davenport
University of Western Ontario
(519) 661-3106