Ontario universities appreciate government's support for postsecondary education

TORONTO, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) thanks the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) for the announcement regarding the extension of the tuition framework for 2012-2013.

"We welcome and appreciate the commitment to the quality of higher education that has been made by maintaining the current tuition framework for the coming year," says Alastair Summerlee, Chair of COU and President of the University of Guelph. "This allows universities to meet the needs of a growing number of students and provide them with the quality education and services they deserve."

This announcement will enable universities to protect the gains that have been made through the government's major investments in higher education. The Ontario government supports one of the most generous financial aid systems in Canada that, along with the numerous scholarships and bursaries made available by universities, allows an ever-increasing number of students to access higher education.

"Universities look forward to continued consultation with the government on the future vision for the sector," says Bonnie M. Patterson, COU President and CEO. "Amidst global economic change, Ontario universities must remain competitive in an international context."

"There is recognition in all quarters that a multi-year framework would provide universities and students with certainty in their financial planning. We look forward to working closely with the Minister on a number of important policy issues, including a multi-year tuition framework, that will build a sustainable future for our sector," says Patterson.

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Lisa Krawiec for Bonnie Patterson
Communications Officer and Executive Assistant to the President
416-979-2165 ext. 239
[email protected]