Government of Ontario’s Investment in Postsecondary Education Accelerates the Innovation Economy
eCampusOntario applauds the Ministry of Colleges and University’s announcement of nearly $1.3 billion in funding for sustainable postsecondary education. Our members are committed to harnessing the power of technology-enabled and hybrid learning to provide access and maximize resources for all learners who want to participate in creating a better future for themselves and for Ontario.
Following the recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Panel, the Ontario Government has announced new funding for the sector that recognizes the importance of investment in Ontario’s colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes as the main driver of Ontario’s economy.
The new funding provides excellent foundational support for operating grants and will help Ontario’s postsecondary education institutions continue to provide best-in-class education for Ontarians. Additional funding for STEM and research and innovation will ensure our economy has the right talent needed for the innovation economy. The Government’s investment includes mental health wrap around supports, recognizing the need to help our learners succeed as they engage in career and life planning. Additionally, the newly announced Career Portal will provide useful and timely information on programs to help learners make informed decisions on how to get the skills required for in-demand jobs.
“These investments come at a crucial time for Ontario’s colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes,” says Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario, and a member of the Blue-Ribbon Panel. “Investments in operating funding, capital and research, and career-focused programs and platforms will have meaningful effects for our member institutions. eCampusOntario looks forward to working with the Ministry and our members to further enhance efficiencies and grow the digital-by-design capacity of the sector through collaboration.”
Throughout the province, eCampusOntario member institutions have worked together to expand access to digital content, improve digital fluency for learners, and increase partnerships between our members and employers. eCampusOntario platforms like the Open Library and the Ontario Innovative Collaboration Platform are helping Ontario’s learners to find the programs they need for the careers they want; enabling our member institutions to embrace Digital Transformation and the future of teaching and learning; and connecting our campuses to employers for collaborative innovation.
eCampusOntario’s members support innovation, collaboration and digital by design education across the province, and today’s announcement recognizes the need to provide additional investment for the province’s northern, rural, and Indigenous communities. The sector is working together to build programs that provide in-demand skills for local learners and increase access to post–secondary education. The Ministry’s new funding will enable eCampusOntario’s membership to continue to drive positive change in local communities and provide all learners with the best resources to access education and careers in Ontario.
Click here to learn more about the Government of Ontario’s investment in postsecondary education: