Algonquin College reacts to Provincial Budget
OTTAWA, April 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Today's budget made several important commitments to support Ontario's students and colleges.
"By positioning Ontario at the leading edge of a new economy, the government is ensuring that our Students are able to access the jobs of the future," said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. "We are pleased with the government's continued commitment to a more highly skilled workforce and investments in our environment while continuing to build infrastructure to support healthy living."
The budget will help more new graduates begin their careers without the stress of student debt by enhancing student assistance so recent graduates won't have to pay the provincial portion of their OSAP loans until they're earning at least $35,000 a year.
Another budget highlight was an important investment in programs and services for adult learners through second-career training. The government will be helping to create a more resilient and skilled workforce, which is essential to ensure our economy remains strong. The government's investment of $190 million over three years in the Career Kick-Start Strategy will help more students get the work-related experiences they need to find meaningful jobs when they graduate. Algonquin College has committed to be a leader in work-integrated learning and co-op and looks forward to being a partner to government to increase these opportunities for students.
The government's investment in Indigenous education is part of the journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Improving Indigenous education in Ontario is an important part of growing Ontario's economy and a priority for Algonquin College.
Jensen said she was pleased to see continued investment in home and community care of $250 million in 2017–18 for community and personal support services.
"In particular, I want to applaud the government's support for lifelong learning and improving second-career training," added Jensen. "By expanding these programs and services to adult learners we are reaffirming the pivotal role that colleges play in ensuring everyone has an opportunity to learn and work in the new economy, and share in its benefits."
About Algonquin College - www.algonquincollege.com
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into skills and knowledge, leading to lifelong career success. Algonquin College does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected applied learning in over 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario.
SOURCE Algonquin College
or to arrange an interview: Jean-Guy Fréchette, Government and Stakeholder Relations, [email protected], 613-727-4723 ext. 6427
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