Ontario Investing $1.7 Billion to Prepare More Students for In-Demand Careers

The Ontario government is building a stronger, more resilient workforce by investing $1.7 billion to fund an additional 70,000 seats in high-demand sectors such as health care, STEM, education and skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province. As part of the government’s historic $6.4 billion new postsecondary funding model, this investment will protect students’ access to the education they need to launch successful careers and good-paying, in-demand jobs, ensuring Ontario has the workforce it needs to support the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario is moving quickly to build a resilient, highly skilled, future-ready workforce to supply our critical industries with the talent pipelines they need to compete on the global stage,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment will prepare tens of thousands of new students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow that strengthen local workforces and protect Ontario’s economy for generations to come.”

Since launching the new funding model in February, the province has moved quickly, investing $975 million to fund 30,000 more seats in health care, STEM and education. Today, the government is building on that progress by launching a call for proposals supported by a further $730 million investment, to create 40,000 new seats across economy-driving programs including health care, teaching, STEM and skilled trades, for a total of 70,000 seats and $1.7 billion invested at Ontario’s colleges and universities.

As part of the call for proposals, colleges and universities will engage with local businesses and employers in their community to submit a growth plan to the government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands. The first of these seats will be open for students in Fall 2026.

“Economic growth depends on talent,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “That’s why the Ontario Chamber continues to champion investments like this one, expanding capacity in high-demand fields such as health care, STEM and the skilled trades to build a competitive, future-ready workforce.”

Together, these investments will ensure students across Ontario can access the education they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers, while ensuring Ontario’s world-class institutions can continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come.

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