The Ontario government says it is investing 1.7 billion dollars to create 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high demand sectors including health care, skilled trades, STEM, and education programs.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, who said the province is working to strengthen Ontario’s workforce in response to ongoing economic uncertainty and labour shortages.
According to the province, the investment builds on an earlier commitment of 975 million dollars supporting 30,000 new seats announced earlier this year. Together, Ontario says the province has now committed funding for 70,000 additional spaces through its broader 6.4 billion dollar postsecondary funding model.
The government says publicly assisted colleges and universities will now submit “Priority Growth Plans” outlining how proposed expansion aligns with local employer demand, regional economic trends, and workforce shortages.
Officials say the first of the newly funded seats are expected to become available beginning in fall 2026.
Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp said the funding will help institutions continue delivering industry aligned education in critical sectors including skilled trades, health care, and STEM fields.
Ontario Tech University President Dr. Stephen Murphy also welcomed the announcement, saying the province’s investment in STEM education supports development of a future ready workforce.
The province says the overall funding model will increase annual operating support for Ontario’s postsecondary sector to roughly 7 billion dollars annually.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
