OSHAWA, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced it is investing $1.7 billion to fund an additional 70,000 seats in high-demand sectors such as health care, STEM, education and the skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province.
According to a release, it is part of the government’s new postsecondary funding model.
Since its launch in February, the province has invested $975 million to fund 30,000 more seats in health care, STEM and education. This recent announcement builds on that by launching a call for proposals supported by a further $730 million investment, to create 40,000 new seats across economy-driving programs including health care, teaching, STEM and skilled trades, for a total of 70,000 seats and $1.7 billion.
As part of the call for proposals, colleges and universities will engage with local businesses and employers in their community to submit a growth plan to the provincial government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands. The first of these seats will be open for students in the fall, the release adds.
Skills Ontario applauded the news, noting it is particularly encouraged by the focus on regional labour market alignment through the proposed Priority Growth Plans.
“This investment goes beyond increasing access — it’s about building a responsive and future-ready training system,” said Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario CEO, in a statement. “By connecting education to local economic needs, we can better equip students to thrive while supporting the competitiveness of Ontario’s industries.”
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