Ontario colleges praise government's commitment to higher education

TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - Ontario's colleges are praising the important commitments made by the McGuinty government today to produce more college and university graduates.

"Greater numbers of people will get the higher education and training they need to achieve success," said Anne Sado, the chair of the colleges' committee of presidents, and president of George Brown College. "This is an important commitment to people's futures and to producing a stronger workforce in this new knowledge economy."

The government's throne speech today included a commitment to increase the number of spaces in colleges and universities by 20,000 this year. As well, the government is pledging to support increasing the attainment rate of postsecondary credentials to the required 70 per cent from the current level of 62 per cent.

The throne speech also included a commitment to develop a new, five-year plan to improve the quality of postsecondary education. And the government says it will aggressively promote Ontario postsecondary institutions abroad, and increase international enrolment by 50 per cent.

In addition, the government will create a new Online Ontario Institute, bringing the best instructors from colleges and universities to people's homes through online learning.

"The government clearly recognizes the demand for postsecondary education and training continues to grow," Sado said. "Ontario colleges are pleased with the vision spelled out today and look forward to seeing more details in the upcoming provincial budget."

For further information: Sally Ritchie, Senior Communications Officer, Colleges Ontario, [phone], ext. 242, [email protected]