Colleges Ontario

For immediate release

(Toronto, May 20, 2009) – The presidents of Ontario’s 24 colleges say infrastructure projects may be in jeopardy if government funding for the projects doesn’t start flowing immediately.

"The window of opportunity for colleges to build is starting to close," said Anne Sado, the chair of Colleges Ontario and president of George Brown College, following a meeting today of the presidents of Ontario’s 24 colleges.

"We are ready to go, but running out of time for some desperately needed projects. On college campuses, summer is often the only time construction can be undertaken."

The federal government has allocated $2 billion over two years for infrastructure projects at colleges and universities across Canada, while the Ontario government’s spring budget committed $780 million over two years to capital funding for Ontario colleges and universities.

At this point, details of the funding for Ontario college projects have not been announced by the federal government.

"We should not miss the opportunity to create new jobs immediately and to invest in the province’s economic strength over the longer term,” said Sado.

“These shovel-ready projects will stimulate job growth and create new spaces to help colleges deliver quality education and training to Ontario students.”

The need for capital improvements at the colleges is growing more urgent. The recession has increased the numbers of students applying to colleges. This year, there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of applicants for programs that start in January, nearly double the 5.1 per cent increase in January 2008.

"A college education provides excellent opportunities for people training or retraining for meaningful, long-term careers,” Sado said.

"More than 90 per cent of our graduates find work within six months, which is a very attractive prospect in the current economy. But if we don't start the infrastructure projects, we cannot accommodate these students."

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For more information:

Sally Ritchie
Senior Communications Officer
Colleges Ontario
(416) 596-0744, ext. 242