Colleges Ontario

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2004 - Ontario's 24 publicly-funded colleges of applied arts and technology and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) have a signed an agreement to work together more closely to meet the needs of Ontario's economy.

"Ontario's economic and social success depends on a dynamic and healthy relationship between the Ontario college system and the Ontario business community," says David Lindsay, President of the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario (ACAATO). "As the Ontario economy continues to grow and evolve the need for quality training and a skilled labour force to respond to the needs of employers will become even more critical."

"This relationship will help to ensure closer ties between the province's premier career education provider and Ontario's business community," says OCC President Len Crispino. "The mutually beneficial relationship that will mature as a result of this agreement will ensure that Ontario's businesses have the career-ready workforce they need to grow, prosper and contribute to the success of the province."

The agreement was signed by David Gavsie, Chair of the Ontario Chamber of
Commerce, Dr. Rick Miner, Chair of the ACAATO Committee of Presidents, OCC
President Len Crispino and ACAATO CEO Joan Homer.

The agreement included a commitment to:

• share information and activities on advocacy for economic development and skills training at the local, provincial and national levels;

• exchange information and policy research covering a broad range of economic and social areas with a particular focus on skills training and business management programs and services; and

• co-operate in the identification and development of customized training opportunities, programs and services to meet the needs of OCC members.