On Feb. 26, the Ontario government unveiled their plans for a significant boost in funding for the province’s colleges and universities, totaling nearly $1.3 billion. Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, emphasized the importance of this move: “Instead of burdening hard-working families with higher tuition, we’re making historic investments to stabilize colleges and universities.”
The funding package encompasses several key initiatives. Most important is the introduction of the Postsecondary Education Sustainability Fund, which will receive $903 million over three years. Additionally, $167.4 million has been allocated for capital repairs and equipment. Another $100 million has been designated for STEM programs and $65.4 million to bolster research efforts. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by smaller institutions, $10 million has been set aside specifically for small rural universities. Lastly, $23 million is earmarked to enhance mental health support on campuses.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to support postsecondary education, addressing longstanding challenges exacerbated by factors such as the impact of the pandemic and recent federal caps on international student visas. As Minister Dunlop affirmed, these measures are essential in “supporting student mental health, fostering safer campuses, and preparing students for rewarding careers.”
In response to the funding announcement, York expressed its appreciation: “The Provincial government funding, announced on Feb. 26, is an important and welcome first step towards supporting Ontario’s postsecondary sector.”
Although promising at first glance, critics argue that a closer examination of the plan reveals significant gaps. The top-up comes in the wake of a report by the firm Higher Education Strategy Associates, which describes the province’s post-secondary funding as “abysmal”.
Additionally, the Council of Ontario Universities has noted concerns that at least 10 universities are projecting operating deficits this year, totaling a staggering $175 million.
Nigmendra Narain, president of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), shed light on the realities behind the funding increase. “While the government’s announcement of $1.3 billion sounds like a lot of money, it is only a one-time allocation, spread out over three years, and divided among 47 colleges and universities,” he said.
Narain also highlighted the substantial revenue losses already incurred by universities, amounting to “$3.22 billion over the last five years due to government cuts to tuition and funding.” His organization has called for “annual funding increases of 11.75 per cent over the next five years” as a sustainable solution.
Based on OCUFA’s own calculations, the “announced funding is seven times less than the amount needed for Ontario just to reach the Canadian average in per-student funding over the next five years,” Narain added.
Concerns have also arisen over the distribution of funds. Narain expressed his concern over the government’s proposal to allocate $15 million for private, third-party firms to review university finances. “Directly funding private actors with no sector knowledge will not help universities address their budgetary concerns,” he said. He emphasized the need for greater provincial investment and direct consultation with faculty, staff, and students to ensure the funds are utilized effectively.
Early last week, a coalition of nine organizations (including OCUFA) representing over 435,000 faculty, staff, and students in Ontario released a joint statement, raising concerns about the underfunding crisis in the postsecondary sector and presenting a vision for a successful and sustainable future.
