Students Applaud Government Moving to an Open Ontario

TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - This afternoon the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable David Onley, delivered the Throne Speech signaling the beginning of the second session of the 39th Ontario Parliament as well as the opening of Ontario to the world, says the College Student Alliance (CSA).

"Students are pleased to hear the government's continued commitment to the education and training of Ontarians," says Justin Fox, President of the College Student Alliance. "Expanding opportunities and increasing access to postsecondary and training will ensure that Ontarians and Ontario are well prepared to meet the challenges of transitioning from the current recession into the knowledge-based economy."

The Speech from the Throne unveils the government's new five-year plan, Open Ontario, which will focus on tax moderation, innovation, green initiatives, exploration of northwestern Ontario and makes education a central component to improving the province's economic strength. The plan commits to increase space for an additional 20,000 students to obtain a college, university or skills trade designation this year, increase international student enrolment in Ontario postsecondary institutions by 50 percent, the creation of an Ontario Online Institute all while improving the overall quality for all students.

"With such a bold vision set out by Open Ontario, students now await the 2010 Budget by Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dwight Duncan to see how the details will translate into transforming our education and training," adds Fox.

The College Student Alliance (CSA) is an advocacy and leadership organization, which has been proudly serving Ontario's college and college-university students since 1975. The CSA currently represents 17 colleges and 25 member councils with over 135,000 full-time student members throughout the province.

For further information: Justin Fox, President, College Student Alliance, T: [phone], ext. 4524, C: [phone], E: [email protected]