The Ontario government is investing $242 million to upgrade learning facilities and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province, aiming to prepare students for in-demand jobs and strengthen the province’s future workforce.
The funding will support modern classrooms and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure students have access to the tools they need for good-paying jobs after graduation, the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security said Tuesday.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers.”
The investment includes funding for facility maintenance, repairs and upgrades at colleges and universities, as well as money to renew and purchase modern instructional and training equipment. Institutions are required to make matching contributions as part of the capital infrastructure program, with funds eligible for major building system upgrades and the purchase of specialized educational tools and technology.
Quinn made the announcement at Queen’s University in Kingston, where some of the funding will be used to purchase immersive simulation equipment and infrastructure to support experiential and collaborative learning for future health-care professionals, including family physicians, nurses and paramedics. The equipment includes high-fidelity mannikins, task trainers and upgraded audiovisual systems to improve remote access and course delivery.
The province said the investment builds on record funding for the postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to support more than 100,000 additional seats in programs such as construction, teaching, nursing and STEM, as part of efforts to modernize learning tools and expand key programs.
“We are grateful to the government for its increased investment in medical research and training, as this allows universities to drive innovation and respond to changing health-care demands. At Queen’s, this funding will further strengthen our leadership in experiential learning, medical simulation, and AI-enabled education, equipping students and researchers with the skills, technologies, and insight needed to collaborate effectively and ultimately deliver better patient care,” said Patrick Deane, principal and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University.
