Ontario's students link economic recovery to investment in higher education

TORONTO , Nov. 30 /CNW/ - The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) released a new report today to mark the launch of its annual lobby conference at Queen's Park. The report, entitled Ontario's Knowledge Economy: The Economic Impact of Post-Secondary Education, emphasizes the need for increased investment in universities to ensure Ontario's long-term prosperity.

"Money given to universities is an immediate and powerful economic stimulus," said Dan Moulton , OUSA President. "We know that 70% of future jobs will require a post-secondary education, and in order to compete in the knowledge economy of the future, the Ontario government must continue investing in high-quality and accessible universities."

The report highlights current gaps in Ontario's higher education system such as rising student-faculty ratios, lower quality, and lower per-student funding than other provinces in Canada .

University graduates make up just 22% of the population yet they contribute 41% of income taxes. They tend to be healthier, commit fewer crimes, and volunteer in their communities. Families headed by a university graduate are half as likely to live in poverty.

"The Province must build on the success of its current five-year investment rather than cash out the future of Ontario's students when they are most in need," Moulton added.

A number of partner organizations have joined with students to support the report's recommendations. These include the Council of Ontario Universities, Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity, and the Ontario Association of Food Banks.

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, OUSA Director of Communications & Public Relations, work: [phone], cell: [phone]