Northern College applauds the investment of 10.7 million dollars in funding by the Ontario Government, its Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
The investment comes as part of the province’s revised funding model for post-secondary education, representing an additional 6.4 billion dollar investment in colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes across Ontario; a funding envelop designed to build long-term sustainability in the sector.
“At Northern, we’re incredibly proud to be receiving this essential funding expansion,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “Our role as an educator, community partner and critical talent pipeline for local and regional industry in the northeast is significant, and thanks to this funding increase, we can maintain and even expand that role.”
Northern College services an area of 210,000 square kilometres, providing educational support to dozens of rural and remote communities throughout this region, playing an essential role in maintaining high-quality educational offerings, right here in the north.
“In order to protect our province, it is imperative that we continue to train a strong, highly skilled workforce for Ontario for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security in a press release issued last week. “Through these changes, including $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector, our government is not only ensuring the sustainability of our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, but also preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good-paying, rewarding careers, while continuing to keep education accessible and keep costs down for students and their families.”
As Federal and Provincial governments prioritize the development of critical minerals and Canada’s natural resource sector, expanded funding is crucial in allowing Northern College to fulfil its mandate to develop programming shaped by rapidly expanding industry need and job market demand in the region.
“Northern College is well positioned to advance the long-term objectives of the Ontario government. Located within the province’s strong natural resource sector, the College delivers graduates whose impact is felt immediately by industry,” stated Mitch Dumas, President and CEO of Northern College. “Increased government support expands opportunities for northerners to build in-demand skills, strengthen regional economic drivers, and contribute to Ontario’s economy. This funding represents an important investment in Northern College and northeastern Ontario.”
Following a new funding model, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 seats for in-demand post-secondary programs. Aimed at expanding enrolment in healthcare, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs, the model lays the foundation to build the highly skilled workforce business and communities depend on.
“This funding not only invests in colleges and polytechnics in Ontario to produce job-ready graduates who fuel our economy; it recognizes that these institutions, working with industry and government partners to protect Ontario, are more important now, than ever,” stated Maureen Adamson, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario, in a press release. “Thank you, Minister Quinn for your continued, extraordinary leadership and to the provincial government for recognizing the importance of colleges and polytechnics in our communities across the province.”
Northern College continues to invest in programming and facilities that ensure students have access to the latest in relevant technologies and experiences, rooted in an experiential approach to education.
This expanded funding model will allow for investment in new facilities, training equipment and program development, ensuring the region has localized access to a brighter, more productive future.
