Ontario government makes difficult choices in budget

Facing a difficult situation, the province delivered a budget yesterday described as "serious action for a serious time." Government outlined a series of tough choices focused on striking a balance between deficit reduction, enhancing the economic future of the province and sustaining services for Ontario families.

For universities, the key elements anticipated in the budget came through as expected. Government will continue to provide funding for enrolment growth to support access in response to student demand, although there is no increase in university operating budgets.

Government also remains committed to the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant for eligible full-time undergraduate university and college students. As announced on March 8, the cap of 5 per cent on overall increases to tuition fees at colleges and universities is being extended for one year, with a planned consultation process to be undertaken over the next year on a new multi-year tuition policy to be in place for fall 2013-14.

In its budget announcement, government underscored its intention to invest in innovation, and to continue building its plan to have the world's best-educated workforce as a means to ensure future prosperity in the knowledge-based economy. So while tough choices have to be made, universities are part of the long-term solution.

Under these difficult financial circumstances, universities could not have obtained the level of resources we would have liked. But neither can we complain that we were treated unfairly. There are many details still to be learned, but at the macro level the Ontario budget is exactly in line with our planning, and no change is needed to our budgeting strategy for 2012-13. Further information will be shared with the community as soon as we learn more from government.

The Ryerson community continues to exemplify the strong and dedicated response to our university goals and mission that champions our progress, and your commitment and positive energy are deeply appreciated.

Sheldon Levy
President