New Ontario government funding model provides $151.5 million to Durham College

Durham College is celebrating a $151.5 million investment in the school, part of the provincial government’s new funding model, which will provide additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario to build long-term sustainability in the sector.

Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion this fall, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world class education.

“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, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through these changes … 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.”

Through the new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in- demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on.

A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening this fall.

“It is more important than ever that we manage Ontario’s finances responsibly – to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy to secure long-term prosperity,” said Ontario Finance Minister and Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy. “Postsecondary education is one of Ontario’s most important long-term investments – and this announcement helps ensure that investment remains strong, responsible and sustainable for years to come.”

Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp called the investment a “significant step” toward ensuring long-term sustainability and student success at Durham College. “We are grateful for this investment, which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, industry-aligned programming that prepares our students with the in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce, while supporting the economic growth of Durham Region and Ontario.”

Under the new funding model, base per student funding at colleges and universities will increase by six per cent for full-time students and 30 per cent for college part-time students.

The province is also making its own administration more efficient by streamlining more than 400 transfer payment agreements into five-year Strategic Mandate Agreements with colleges and universities, saving institutions time and money.

“This investment will help ensure that students at Durham College have access to high-quality education and the skills they need to succeed in today’s in-demand careers, while supporting continued economic growth across our region,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.