To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ontario’s college system during the newly-declared Colleges Week (April 3 to 9, 2017), the province is investing a total of $50 million in its 24 publicly-assisted colleges to improve students’ experiences.

The investment will support public colleges in retrofitting facilities, purchasing new technology to modernize existing classrooms and labs, new lab and shop equipment, and specialized software for teaching, among other projects.

“Our government commemorates the growth and evolution of Ontario’s college system, launched by Bill Davis, 50 years ago and the tremendous contribution they have made to our province’s economic growth and vitality,” said Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. “This $50-million investment will provide our students with access to leading-edge equipment and labs that will ensure they have the right skills for a knowledge and technology-driven economy.”

“This contribution from the province not only recognizes the achievements of Ontario Colleges over the past five decades, it lets us each find high-impact ways to improve the student experience,” added Ann Sado, president of George Brown College. “It’s exciting to reflect on just how much our system has evolved and imagine how we will continue to progress in the years ahead. Ontario is in the midst of a major change in the nature of work and colleges are adapting to continue to be a source of top talent for the province’s employers.”

The Northern Colleges Collaboration, a partnership between northern Ontario’s six public colleges (Boreal, Cambrian, Canadore, Confederation, Northern and Sault), will receive $2 million of the total investment to improve student access to education in the North.