The Council of Ontario Universities welcomed the Ontario government’s Economic Statement and its commitment to investing in people and infrastructure “to foster the next generation of economic growth.”

“The Ontario government has demonstrated continued economic leadership by addressing the fundamental external challenges to growth,” said Dr Peter George, Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and President of McMaster University. “Ontario universities well understand the challenges posed by the higher dollar, oil price increases and the uncertain U.S. economy as we are integrally involved in our local economies. Universities are a strategic economic asset for Ontario and we are committed to building the best educated workforce and providing the innovations that drive future growth.”

“The government’s confirmation of the fundamental need for investment in research also demonstrates its sound vision for creating future growth,” said Dr. Paul C. Genest, President of the Council of Ontario Universities. “Research funding fuels the creation of cutting-edge innovations that produce new products, drive economic activity and even transform lives.”

“Ontario universities have benefited from the Reaching Higher plan in the last mandate and the commitments made in the Ontario Throne Speech will help to improve student access,” said Genest. “We look forward to continuing to work with the government to advance graduate and undergraduate education and to achieve ongoing excellence in our research initiatives and, in so doing, to continuing our role as a strategic asset in Ontario.”

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For more information, contact:

Dr. Paul Genest
416-779-2331

For Dr. Peter George:
Andrea Farquhar 905-515-7075