Ontario colleges praise government's commitment to students

TORONTO, Jan. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario's colleges are pleased that the government has delivered on an election promise to provide a 30 per cent tuition rebate to college and university students.

"This rebate will increase access to postsecondary education allowing more students to get the skills needed to compete in the changing job market," said Linda Franklin, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario.  "Future jobs will require higher levels of skills, it is estimated that in 10 years' time, 75 per cent of Ontario's workers will need some level of postsecondary education."

Premier Dalton McGuinty and Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray announced that as of Jan. 1, 2012, students with family incomes of $160,000 or less per year will be eligible for a tuition rebate.  Qualifying students in a college program will receive a rebate of $730, while students enrolled in a degree program at a university or college will receive $1,600.

"We are particularly pleased that the government responded to our call for college and university degree programs to be treated equally in the tuition rebate program," Franklin said, noting that this will level the playing field between university and college students.

Although Ontario college tuition fees are amongst the lowest in Canada, we still recognize that some students face financial challenges. This is welcome news for those students and their families.

A streamlined application process in January and funding of system upgrades will also make it easier for students and administrators to implement the new program.

Franklin said it is welcome news that operating grants will not be lowered to fund the tuition rebate.

"Maintaining these grants is an investment in the system. Operating dollars are needed to deliver quality programs to students."

Colleges Ontario is the voice of Ontario's 24 colleges of applied arts and technology. Ontario colleges serve about 200 communities throughout the province, delivering a wide range of career-focused education and training programs to more than 200,000 full-time and 300,000 part-time students.

Heather Howe 
Communications & Events Specialist
Colleges Ontario
647-258-7680
647-217-4109
[email protected]