Algonquin College reacts to 2016-17 Provincial Budget

Posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2016

College education in Ontario will be strengthened by the measures announced today in the 2016 Ontario Budget.

“I applaud the efforts by the government to help ensure more Ontarians have access to a quality postsecondary education,” said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. “We believe education is one of the best ways to ensure a better quality of life for your family, and new investments in college-based applied research – as outlined in the budget – is an important boost to innovation within our communities. We also congratulate the province for their continued investment in postsecondary education and training for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners.”

The budget helps more low-income students pursue higher learning that leads to a good job without incurring debt. For example, the budget measures will result in free average tuition for every student with a family income of $50,000 or less, starting in the 2017-18 school year.

There are also commitments that students in families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive non-repayable grants in excess of average tuition, and students in families with family incomes of less than $50,000 will have no provincial student debt. The maximum debt level for higher-income families will be capped at $10,000 annually.

Another budget highlight was an important investment of $20 million over three years for college-based applied research projects. This funding will allow colleges and businesses to work together on real-world research that helps businesses become more innovative and create new jobs.

As well, colleges were pleased with the increased investments for aboriginal education and the commitment to consult on college funding as the sector approaches its 50th anniversary in 2017.

“The budget recognizes that colleges are drivers of their local communities, through education, applied research, and community resources,” added President Jensen. “The province is improving access to a college education through this budget, which is essential in our new innovation economy.”


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