NEWS RELEASE
MPP DOUG DOWNEY
MPP JILL DUNLOP
MPP ANDREA KHANJIN
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The Ontario government is providing $7.1 million to help Georgian College address the financial impacts of COVID-19. This investment will support the sustainability of postsecondary education and help ensure students get the skills and education they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.
“We are so fortunate to call home to the first-class education so many students, from home and abroad, have access to through Georgian College,” said MPP Jill Dunlop, Simcoe North.
“This funding will deepen social and economic development while encouraging academic achievement, resulting in quality employment. It will support sustainability for Georgian College, staff and students through recovery from COVID-19," Dunlop added.
Did you hear? We're investing $7.1 million in @georgiancollege to help aide continued student success! @Andrea_Khanjin @JillDunlop1 pic.twitter.com/aRU2XtiR9M
— Doug Downey (@douglasdowney) March 19, 2021
“Georgian College provides exceptional opportunities right here in our backyard. We are proud of this local institution; its growth, commitment to students, and their dedication to adapting through difficult circumstances this past year,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte.
“They continue to put student well-being and educational outcomes at the forefront. With this funding, we support one of the cornerstones of our community, as they do what they do best; educate, guide and prepare the next generation of students," Downey added.
"Georgian College staff and faculty have shown resiliency and determination over the past year", said Andrea Khanjin MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. "As things shifted and changed, they have adapted in these uncertain times and difficult circumstances. We have recognized these challenges and are responding to ensure future stability and success."
This funding is part of Ontario’s total investment of $106.5 million for post-secondary institutions who have been the most financially impacted by COVID-19. Funding will help to offset pandemic related costs, including those associated with online learning, personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning.
“Our post-secondary institutions are critical to the prosperity of our province and local communities and will contribute significantly to our economic recovery,” said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Post-secondary institutions are a key source of job creation, skills training, research, and innovation. That’s why our government has established the emergency fund to help address the financial impacts of COVID-19 and ensure they have the tools, technologies and resources they need to support students throughout their studies.”
QUICK FACTS
- Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario delivered $25 million in additional funding to publicly assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to help address each institution’s most pressing needs, including purchasing medical supplies, offering mental health supports and deep cleaning campus facilities.
- According to the Conference Board of Canada, every $1 invested in post-secondary education generates a positive economic return on investment estimated at $1.36.
- The university and college sectors had annual surpluses of $863 million and $333 million respectively at the end of 2019-20.
- The sectors anticipate COVID-19 impacts of up to $1.9 billion dollars in 2020-21. • The Post-secondary Education Support Fund allocates funding to institutions using an approach that accounts for size as well as COVID-19 related revenue impacts and added expenses relative to an institution’s existing surplus in order to target those that need it most.
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