Ontario Investing $242 Million to Prepare College and University Students for In-Demand Jobs

The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $242 million to upgrade learning facilities at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen the province’s pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces to learn the skills they need for good-paying jobs after graduation.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers.”

Today’s investment includes:

• $209.3 million through the Facilities Renewal Program for publicly funded colleges and universities to complete maintenance, repairs and upgrades to existing facilities.
• $21.6 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund for colleges to buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources.
• $10.8 million through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund for universities to renew and buy modern, state-of-the-art equipment and learning resources.

As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions. Ontario’s colleges and universities can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms.

Minister Quinn made the announcement at Queen’s University which is using a portion of their funding to purchase immersive simulation equipment and infrastructure that will provide experiential, collaborative learning opportunities for future health care professionals such as family physicians, nurses and paramedics. Equipment includes high-fidelity mannikins, task trainers (e.g. IV arms), and upgraded AV systems to enhance remote access and asynchronous delivery of course content. These new learning tools will equip health care students with the skills they need to deliver excellent care in eastern Ontario and beyond after finishing their studies.

This investment is building off the record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.

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