Ontario Supports Postsecondary Education in Rural and Northern Communities

Georgian College to receive additional funding from the province.

NEWS RELEASE: April 11, 2022

SIMCOE NORTH – The Ontario government is providing Georgian College with $1 million in additional funding through the Small, Northern and Rural Grant to help the institution maintain a full range of programs and provide students with local competitive choices for postsecondary studies that will prepare them for good jobs.

“The Ontario government is committed to supporting high-quality postsecondary education in northern Ontario, particularly as our province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and MPP Simcoe North. “Providing this additional funding acknowledges that our northern institutions are essential to building a skilled workforce in the North and play a critical role in providing employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of these communities.”

Northern Ontario institutions face unique challenges including geographic location and smaller student populations that make them more financially vulnerable than other institutions across the province. That’s why, building on regular operating grants, Ontario is providing additional special funding to help northern postsecondary institutions continue to deliver viable, relevant and quality programs and services for students.

“Ontario’s additional investment in Georgian College will help ensure our postsecondary students in the region have high-quality options for their studies,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “From the skilled trades to health human resources, northern institutions are pivotal in offering a broad range of programming to meet the needs of their local labour markets. Helping northern institutions to offer programs that prepare students for good jobs after graduation will help retain talent in these regions and support local business communities.”

This additional funding will support the delivery and further development of programs and services and improve access, enrolment, student retention and graduate outcomes for learners in the North. It will also help northern and rural institutions to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully transition to the workforce and drive local economic growth.

“The additional funding announced by our Minister today is welcome news at Georgian College,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO. “The funding is needed to maintain a full range of programs and provide students with access to local quality program choices for their postsecondary studies that will prepare them for great jobs, right here in Central Ontario.”