Faculty and students agree on need for greater government funding to
universities

TORONTO , Sept. 29 /CNW/ - The current economic recession in Ontario drove student summer unemployment to the highest levels on record and weakened university endowments, severely reducing available financial aid, says a report released today by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). The report, entitled Postsecondary education in Ontario and the recession, explores the negative effects the recession is having on higher education in Ontario and calls for greater government funding to reverse the damage.

"Ontario students are paying more of the total cost of their education than students in other provinces," said Dan Moulton , President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA). "It's time for the government to restore fairness to the system. Students strongly support OCUFA's recommendation for greater government funding for postsecondary education."

Other high-profile reports have recently recommended an increase in government funding, highlighting the economic benefits a strong postsecondary education system. At the request of Premier McGuinty, The Martin Prosperity Institute completed a report entitled Ontario in the Creative Age, which recommends increasing funding for postsecondary education. The Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress came to the same conclusion in their most recent annual report.

"The evidence for the social and economic benefits of a strong post-secondary education system is overwhelming. It's time for the government to make a smart investment for Ontario's future," added Moulton.

OUSA represents the interests of over 140,000 professional and undergraduate, full- and part-time university students at seven Ontario institutions.

For further information: or to arrange an interview please contact: Alvin Tedjo, Director of Communications, work: [phone], cell: [phone]; Dan Moulton, President, [phone]; Alexi White, Executive Director, [phone]