Ministry Overview

Vision

Ontario will have the most educated people and highly skilled workforce in the world to build the province’s competitive advantage and quality of life.

Mandate

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities directs and shapes Ontario’s postsecondary education and employment and training systems. It provides operating and capital funding to publicly assisted colleges and universities, establishes provincial objectives for the use of public funds and designs frameworks for achieving these objectives.

The ministry ensures that high quality postsecondary education is accessible to all qualified candidates through tuition regulation, operating grants, capital investments, student assistance, targeted funding and accountability mechanisms.

In the area of employment and training, the ministry develops policy directions for adult education and labour market training. The ministry works with the Ontario College of Trades to set standards for occupational training such as trade certification and apprenticeships. The ministry also manages and funds provincial services and programs for employment training and preparation including adult literacy and basic skills, and undertakes labour market research and planning.

Ministry Strategies

Ontario’s competitive advantage is increasingly dependent on a highly skilled, diverse and adaptive workforce. The province is at its best when people have the talent and skills to reach their full potential.

In its 2014 Budget, Ontario introduced a new 10-year economic plan. Ontario will develop the economy of tomorrow by investing in people today and giving Ontarians the support they need to get the right skills and the right jobs. This will give all Ontarians the opportunity to have good, high‐paying jobs and contribute to the prosperity of the province.

The proposed economic plan includes the $2.5 billion Jobs and Prosperity Fund, with the goal that by 2025:

  • Ontario’s highly skilled and adaptive workforce will compete globally and meet the demands of a changing economy
  • Ontario’s dynamic and innovative labour market will enable all segments of society to participate fairly in the province’s diverse job market
  • more than 70% of Ontario’s adult population will hold postsecondary education credentials
  • Ontario will expand experiential learning, such as co‐op and work-integrated learning options, making Ontario’s future college and university students more career and job ready than ever before
  • Ontario’s businesses will increase investments in productivity‐enhancing areas like information and communications technology, training, and research and development (R&D) to rates comparable to those of their U.S. counterparts

By 2020, it is expected that about 70% of all new jobs — including entry level jobs — will need some form of postsecondary education. A skilled and knowledgeable workforce attracts the jobs and investment that lead to a strong province and high quality of life. It also leads to other benefits such as lower poverty rates, improved health outcomes and contributes to the economic health of the province.

Ontario remains among the best jurisdictions in North America for talent, training and skills development. With more Ontarians pursuing postsecondary education, the province is focusing on supporting programs that provide young people with the best skills and training they need to create and fill jobs of the future.

That’s why the government continues to invest in our postsecondary education system.

Past investments achieved many results and improved our postsecondary education system. Some of the results from the plan included more students attending colleges, universities and learning a trade, more graduate spaces in areas that matter to the economy and an increased postsecondary education attainment rate.

Investments in postsecondary education are building on the successes of the past.

Results include:

  • more than 170,000 additional students enrolled at Ontario colleges and universities over the last 10 years, an increase of more than 43%
  • more than 380,000 students receiving Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant in 2013-2014
  • an increase in the educational attainment rate from 56% in 2002 to more than 65% in 2012
  • a graduation rate increase to 77% for university undergraduate students, up from 73% in 2002, and to 65% from 57% for college students

Employment Ontario investments of more than $1 billion in 2013-2014 helped Ontarians access a wide range of employment and training services. The achievements include:

  • Employment Ontario serving approximately 1 million Ontarians each year including:
    • more than 150,000 employers have used the network to find workers with the skills they need
    • job seekers, such as laid-off workers who benefit from skills training and other employment and career planning services
    • workers, apprentices, newcomers and youth who benefit from access to life-long learning
  • the transformation of the Employment Service into a one-stop service delivery model is better meeting the needs of job seekers, employers and Ontario communities. Services are delivered through a network of 171 service providers with 324 funded service delivery sites
  • new annual apprenticeship registrations have increased from 17,100 in 2002-03 to more than 28,000 in 2013-2014
  • providing literacy and basic skills programs delivered by more than 200 organizations at more than 300 sites across the province, which helped more than 43,000 learners in 2013-2014
  • launching the Youth Employment Fund through Employment Ontario’s Employment Service in September 2013. In 2013-2014, the fund helped approximately 10,000 young people find jobs and get training
  • in March 2014, Ontario was the first province to sign the Canada Job Fund Agreement, which replaces the Labour Market Agreement and which will provide Ontario with $192 million per year to support Employment Ontario programs and services, as well as programs in other ministries, for the next 6 years

Ontario will continue to invest in the postsecondary education sector to ensure colleges, universities and students have the resources they need. Investments in education and skills training play a critical role in preparing people to compete globally and to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Over the coming year, we will continue to make investments in postsecondary education to build on our successes in a sustainable way.

We will fund enrolment growth to ensure that there is a college or university space for every qualified Ontario student.

To improve access to colleges and universities, the government will continue to strengthen student aid to ensure that every qualified student has access to postsecondary education. This includes maintaining the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant to make postsecondary education affordable for low and middle income students and their families.

We will launch a new student loan default rehabilitation program. Through the program, borrowers who default on their repayment obligations will be able to rehabilitate their loan by demonstrating a commitment to repay. By rehabilitating both their Ontario loan and federal loan, borrowers can access repayment assistance or more student aid. The program will bring Ontario in line with practices of the federal government and other provinces.

A new tuition billing policy will be implemented in 2014-2015 at many colleges and universities, and at all publicly-assisted institutions by 2015-16, to make it easier for students to pay their tuition while ensuring consistency across the postsecondary education system. Beginning in fall 2015, university students will be charged on a per-credit basis if they take less than a 70% course load, increasing to an 80% course load in 2016.

To address critical maintenance repairs and upgrades to existing buildings in the postsecondary sector, we will invest almost $500 million of additional funding over the next 10 years.

Ontario will continue to improve quality and accountability within the private career college sector and to provide financial assistance for students. Over the next 2 years, the ministry will begin to publish Key Performance Indicators for programs offered by private career colleges, which will further improve quality and accountability in the sector and help students to make informed decisions about the type of postsecondary education they wish to pursue.

Ontario will continue to help unemployed workers and people who need to upgrade their skills, learn a new trade, participate in apprenticeship or improve their literacy.

Employment Ontario will continue to support Ontarians who are unemployed and seeking employment through a range of employment services. The Youth Employment Fund will continue to offer young people training and jobs in 2014-2015, as it moves toward meeting its 2-year target of offering 25,000 job placements for youth.

The new Canada-Ontario Job Grant will be launched in 2014-2015 to encourage more employers to offer training to their employees and greater employer investment in training. Second Career will continue to help laid-off workers retrain in 2014-2015. As of March 31, 2014, more than 76,500 laid-off workers have been helped since June 2008.

In addition, the 2014 Budget affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating government-wide employment and training programs and services into Employment Ontario. This will give individuals and employers easier and better access to the services that meet their needs — whether it is training to improve skills, opportunities to gain work experience, or strategies and tools to recruit local talent.

We will also promote apprenticeship completion to increase the supply of skilled workers. The Ontario College of Trades, an industry-driven governing body, which is now operational, will continue to help modernize the province’s apprenticeship and skilled trades system.

Ministry Priorities

The ministry will support the government’s goal of strengthening Ontario’s postsecondary education and training by working with its partners to carry out the following core priorities:

  • transform the postsecondary education system to meet the needs of the innovation economy
  • increase Ontario’s skilled and knowledgeable workforce by expanding access and opportunity for education and training
  • foster a culture of training and continuous learning

Transforming the Postsecondary Education System

Good jobs in the 21st century require a good education. In the coming years, demand is anticipated to continue for university and college graduates and skilled-trades workers.

The aging population, global competition for skilled workers and continuing technological change in workplace technology is resulting in a heightened demand for workers with specialized skills and knowledge.

To position Ontario as a leader in postsecondary education, we will continue to work with colleges, universities and students to transform our postsecondary education system to improve quality and access in Ontario’s postsecondary education sector and ensure financial sustainability over the long term while ensuring our students are provided with a quality education and learning experience.

The government has developed 3-year strategic mandate agreements with all publicly funded colleges and universities. Agreements with all institutions are expected to be concluded shortly.

The agreements outline how each postsecondary institution’s mission and activities align with the government’s priorities, student needs and the economy. They will help colleges and universities focus on their unique strengths while avoiding unnecessary duplication across the postsecondary education system.

We will support transformation by investing $42 million over 3 years to implement Ontario Online, a new Centre of Excellence for Online Learning, and by continuing to improve the credit transfer system.

In keeping with recommendations made by the Drummond Commission, funding provided to the sector will grow at a sustainable pace.

Despite challenging economic times, the 2014 Budget continues to invest in the postsecondary sector to ensure that students, colleges and universities have the resources they need. Funding to Ontario’s colleges and universities will increase for the 17th year in a row.

The 2014 Budget confirmed Ontario’s commitment to increasing access to postsecondary institutions by working to build new or expanded campuses in communities across Ontario. We will also provide additional funding of almost $500 million over the next 10 years to address critical maintenance repairs in the postsecondary sector.

Through a variety of loans, grants and bursaries and a new postsecondary tuition framework, the government will ensure that every qualified student will be able to pursue a postsecondary education.

The government is helping eligible students pay for their tuition by providing more than $1.3 billion in assistance through programs such as OSAP, the Ontario Access Grant and the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant.

Starting in 2014-2015, the government is introducing a fairer approach to deferral fees, ensuring students are not asked to pay for their tuition before their OSAP funding arrives. These changes are being implemented at many colleges and universities for 2014-2015, and at all publicly-assisted institutions for 2015-16.

To better inform students about their future career options and ensure greater accountability, the government is requiring postsecondary education institutions to better track outcomes for students over time and report on career success rates among graduates.

Ministry Priorities – Postsecondary Education

  • raise Ontario’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 70%
  • ensure a college or university space is available for every qualified student
  • provide students with a high quality learning experience and credentials that equip students with the skills for success
  • increase the quality of postsecondary education and strengthen accountability so that students are provided with an internationally competitive system that gives them the skills they need to get jobs in the 21st century economy
  • close achievement gaps for underrepresented groups including Aboriginal students, students with disabilities, first generation students and Francophone students
  • improve access to postsecondary education through a strong student financial assistance program
  • improve access to French-language postsecondary education programs and services in central and southwestern Ontario

Increasing Ontario’s Skilled Workforce

Ontario’s skilled workforce is 1 of its greatest advantages. Through Employment Ontario’s employment, apprenticeship, literacy and labour market programs, the province continues to invest in its people to help them compete globally and meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Ontario will move forward with its plan to integrate employment and training services across government with Employment Ontario, to deliver results where need is greatest. This will provide several benefits to individuals and employers, including improved referrals and assessments for job seekers, better linkages to services such as social assistance and bridge training, and customized workplace training programs tailored to industry needs.

Recognizing the need to address youth unemployment, the 2013 Ontario budget announced a comprehensive Youth Jobs Strategy, providing an investment of $295 million over 2 years to help 30,000 young people. This strategy included a $195 million investment in the Ontario Youth Employment Fund, launched in September 2013 and delivered through the Employment Ontario Employment Service network. The fund is well on its way to meeting its 2-year target to provide 25,000 job placements for Ontario youth.

These investments build on more than 35 other Ontario government youth employment programs, including 3 other core funds of the Youth Jobs Strategy, as well as summer jobs programs, such as the ministry’s Summer Jobs Service.

On March 28, 2014, Ontario was the first province to sign the Canada-Ontario Job Fund Agreement, which replaces the Labour Market Agreement. This new agreement will provide Ontario with $192 million per year to support employment and training programs for the next 6 years. As Ontario enters into the first year of the agreement, the government will launch the new Canada-Ontario Job Grant, which will offer assistance to employers seeking to provide training to employees. In addition, Ontario has worked with the Government of Canada to ensure that the new agreement will continue to support Ontarians who are further from the labour market. This includes immigrants, social assistance recipients, persons with disabilities, older workers, Aboriginal persons, and youth, all of whom are important priorities for Employment Ontario programs.

In response to the global economic downturn, the government created Second Career in 2008 to help unemployed, laid-off workers train for a new career. As of March 31, 2014, more than 76,500 Ontarians have participated since the launch of the program. The government will invest $191 million in 2014-2015 in Second Career.

The Ontario government has earmarked more than $146 million for investments in Ontario’s apprenticeship system for 2014-2015, through a number of programs that offer support to both apprentices and employers. Apprenticeship training is a key part of building the well-educated and highly skilled workforce the province needs to complete.

The Ontario College of Trades — an industry-driven governing body for the province’s apprenticeship and skilled trades system — opened its doors to members in April 2013. By consulting and engaging with its members, as well as conducting reviews of apprenticeship ratios and compulsory certification, the college will continue to demonstrate industry leadership for the trades and apprenticeship — balancing the needs of employers, employees, apprentices, the economy and the public.

As a part of the ongoing review of business support programs, the government will continue to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit to improve completion rates among eligible trades. Building on the government’s decision in 2013 to save $45 million by removing the Information Technology — Contact Centre trades from eligibility, support for large businesses will be reviewed in 2014-2015.

Ministry Priorities – Employment Ontario

  • continue delivery of quality employment and training, apprenticeship, literacy and labour market programs
  • continue work to integrate employment and training services across government with Employment Ontario to give individuals and employers easier and better access to the services that meet their needs
  • continue to support Ontario’s young people through the Youth Employment Fund
  • launch the new Canada-Ontario Job Grant
  • continue support directed at employers, apprentices and training institutions to promote access to and completion of apprenticeships

Ministry Contribution To Priorities And Results

Alignment of Ministry Programs with the Government’s Priorities

Ministry programs and activities support the government’s broader priorities, specifically Increase Talent & Skills Among Ontarians, and Modernize Infrastructure & Transportation Networks.

The ministry supports these government priorities through 2 initiatives: Transforming Postsecondary Education and Transforming Employment Ontario.

The planned Strategic Outcomes/Results of the Transforming Postsecondary Education initiatives are:

Transform the postsecondary education system to achieve productivity, innovation and fiscal sustainability while protecting quality for students,

70% of Ontarians to have a postsecondary education credential; and,

Better track outcomes for students and report on career success rates.

The planned Strategic Outcomes/Results of the Transforming Employment Ontario initiatives are:

High quality delivery of Employment Ontario programs:

  • approximately 1 million clients are served each year
  • 79% of Second Career students find jobs within 1 year of graduation
  • expand employment opportunities for youth through programs such as the Youth Job Connection

Organizational excellence and effective planning:

  • help workers enter and complete apprenticeships.
  • Ontario is committed to supporting a high quality apprenticeship system and the successful implementation of the Ontario College of Trades.

Key change initiatives:

  • implementation of the Canada-Ontario Job Fund to support employers in having a greater role in skills training
  • continue to make progress on integrating employment and training services across the government

2014-2015 Performance Measures

Postsecondary Education

  • raise Ontario’s postsecondary education attainment rate to 70% by 2020
  • fund enrolment growth and reach the target of 60,000 additional spaces in colleges and universities. This includes an increase of 6,000 graduate spaces
  • reduce current gaps in the availability of French-language postsecondary education programs

Employment Ontario

  • 79% of Employment Service program clients will obtain employment or go on to further education/training in 2014-2015
  • invest $195 million over 2 years in the Youth Employment Fund to create employment opportunities for 25,000 youth in Ontario

Organizational Structure

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

  • Minister - Reza Moridi
    • Parliamentary Assistant - Han Dong
    • Deputy Minister - Deborah Newman
      • Executive Assistant - Graham Webster
      • Assistant Deputy Minister: MOHLTC, Health Human Resources Strategy Division* - Suzanne McGurn
      • Communications Branch - Heather Wright
      • Community Services I & IT Cluster - Soussan Tabari
        • Executive Assistant - Marie Dearlove
        • Strategic Planning and Business Relationship Management Branch - Aleli Gulak (Acting)
        • Case and Grant Management Solutions Branch - Sanaul Haque
        • Data Collection and Decision Support Solution Branch - Michael Villani
        • IACCESS Solutions Branch - Sanjay Madan
      • Employment and Training Division Assistant Deputy Minister, David Fulford
        • Executive Assistant - Kimberly Cammock (Acting)
        • Finance, Analysis and Systems Support Branch - Todd Kilpatrick
        • Program Delivery Support Branch - Teresa Damaso
        • Organizational and Business Excellence Branch - Sandra DiProspero
        • Western Region Branch - Mary Joe Freire
        • Central Branch - Shelley Unterlander
        • Eastern Branch - Robert Dupuis
        • Northern Branch - Andrew Irvine (Acting)
      • Assistant Deputy Minister: Strategic Policy and Programs Division - Marie-Lison Fougère
        • Executive Assistant - Sarah Robb (Acting)
        • Programs Branch - Virginia Hatchette
        • Strategic Policy and Initiatives Branch - Paddy Buckley (Acting)
        • Research and Planning Branch - Bill Praamsma (Acting)
        • Strategic Policy Transformation Branch - Paddy Buckley
        • Labour Market Negotiations Branch - Robert Lowry
        • Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Branch - James Brown
      • Assistant Deputy Minister: Postsecondary Education Division - Didem Prouix (Acting)
        • Executive Assistant - Lisa Stanley
        • Postsecondary Finance and Information Management Branch - Mehul Mehta (Acting)
        • Student Financial Assistance Branch - Noah Morris
        • Postsecondary Accountability Branch - Linda Hawke
        • Private Career Colleges Branch - Carol Strachan (Acting)
      • Assistant Deputy Minister: Corporate Management and Services Division**, Pam Skinner
        • Executive Assistant - Caroline Noakes
        • Legal Services Branch - Prabhu Rajan
        • Ontario Internal Audit Education Audit Service Team - Warren McCay
        • Corporate Finance and Services Branch - David McIntosh
        • Strategic Human Resources Branch - Sandy Henderson
        • Corporate Coordination Branch - Dawn Palin Rokosh
      • Assistant Deputy Minister: French Language, Aboriginal Learning and Research Division** Janine Griffore
        • Executive Assistant - Bonaventure Kouamé
        • Aboriginal Education Office - Alayne Bigwin
        • French-Language Education Policy and Programs Branch - Denys Gigu`re
        • Education Research and Education Strategy Branch - Doris McWhorter
    • Agencies, Boards, and Commissions
      • Boards of Governors of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology
      • College of Trades Appointments Council
      • Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
      • Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Financial Eligibility Advisory Committee
      • Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board
      • Training Completion Assurance Fund Advisory Board (TCAF)

*Reports to Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

**Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Classified Agencies

Name Description 2014-2015 Expenditure Estimates 2014-2015 Revenue Estimates 2013-2014 Expenditure Interim Actuals 2013-2014 Revenue Interim Actuals 2012-2013 Expenditure Actuals 2012-2013 Revenue Actuals
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) Assists the minister to improve all aspects of postsecondary education, with a focus on the quality of, and access to, postsecondary education, and enhancing the accountability of postsecondary education institutions. The agency also:
  • Recommends targets to be achieved and performance measures to be used to evaluate the postsecondary education sector;
  • Evaluates the postsecondary education sector, reports to the minister and makes results public; and,
  • Conducts research and encourages collaboration among institutions.
 5,000,000 N/A 4,567,000 N/A 5,000,000 N/A
College of Trades Appointments Council Established under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act 2009 as an independent operational services agency to the Government of Ontario, the council has the duty to make appointments to the College of Trades governing structure including:
  • Board of Governors
  • Divisional and Trade Boards
  • Roster of Adjudicators
 24,375 N/A 20,000 N/A 241,889 N/A
Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) Makes recommendations to the minister on applications for the minister’s consent to offer degree programs and/or use the term “university” from new and existing private Ontario degree-granting institutions, out-of-province institutions, Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and all others not authorized to award degrees by an Ontario statute. 679,550 80,000 578,542 85,000 634,762 140,000
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Financial Eligibility Advisory Committee Considers requests for reconsideration from OSAP applicants and makes recommendations to the minister on their eligibility for financial aid from OSAP 2,500 N/A 2,061 N/A 1,390 N/A
Training Completion Assurance Fund Advisory Board (TCAF) Provides advice to the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges (PCC) on the administration of TCAF, including financial administration of the fund; criteria for assessing financial viability of PCCs; general guidelines for responding to PCC closures; and responses to specific PCC closures. Note: TCAF is a Special Purpose Account (SPA), authorized by the Ministry of Finance within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (liability account) and represents money received or collected by Ontario for a special purpose. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Detailed Financial Information

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2014-2015 ($M)

Type of expense Cost of expense
Operating $7,445.4
Capital $393.4
Total $7,838.8

Note: Total amount includes statutory appropriations and consolidations. Operating and Capital Assets are not included.

Table 2: Operating and Capital Summary By Vote

Vote/Program
Estimates
2014-2015
$
Change from
2013-2014 Estimates
$
Change from
2013-2014 Estimates
%
Estimates
2013-2014*
$
Interim Actuals
2013-2014*
$
Actuals
2012-2013*
$

Operating And Capital Expenses

Ministry Administration

22,981,600

2,794,300

13.8%

20,187,300

22,089,900

19,625,245

Postsecondary Education

6,487,325,700

123,314,900

1.9%

6,364,010,800

6,267,588,000

6,054,218,492

Employment Ontario

1,410,932,300

29,813,200

2.2%

1,381,119,100

1,327,013,900

1,275,022,812

Strategic Policy and Programs

24,540,200

(263,600)

-1.1%

24,803,800

19,567,100

17,471,778

Less: Special Warrants

2,203,831,400

2,203,831,400

-

-

-

Total Operating and Capital Expense to be Voted

5,741,948,400

(2,048,172,600)

-26.3%

7,790,121,000

7,636,258,900

7,366,338,327

Special Warrants

2,203,831,400

2,203,831,400

-

-

-

Statutory Appropriations

35,761,214

1,503,800

4.4%

34,257,414

60,294,914

52,981,005

Ministry Total Operating and Capital Expense

7,981,541,014

157,162,600

2.0%

7,824,378,414

7,696,553,814

7,419,319,332

Consolidation and Other Adjustments

(142,756,700)

(50,980,400)

-55.5%

(91,776,300)

(91,822,349)

(73,654,244)

Total including Consolidation and Other Adjustments

7,838,784,314

106,182,200

1.4%

7,732,602,114

7,604,731,465

7,345,665,088

Operating And Capital Assets

Postsecondary Education

88,008,100

6,755,600

8.3%

81,252,500

-

79,447,242

Employment Ontario

2,001,000

(999,000)

-33.3%

3,000,000

-

1,520,300

Less: Special Warrants

46,365,700

46,365,700

-

-

-

Total Operating and Capital Assets to be Voted

43,643,400

(40,609,100)

-48.2%

84,252,500

-

80,967,542

Special Warrants

46,365,700

46,365,700

-

-

-

Statutory Appropriations

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total Assets

90,009,100

5,756,600

6.8%

84,252,500

-

80,967,542

2014-2015 Operating and Capital Allocation

Program Allocation
Postsecondary Education 81.6%
Employment Ontario 17.8%
Strategic Policy and Programs 0.3%
Ministry Administration 0.3%

*Estimates for the previous fiscal year are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure.
Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2014 Ontario Budget.

Appendix
2013-2014 Annual Report

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities supports the government’s commitment to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Ontario’s labour force so that the province will remain competitive in the global knowledge-based economy. In the past year, the ministry contributed to this commitment through its work to transform postsecondary education and Employment Ontario.

Key Initiatives and Results

Our goal is to have the most educated people and highly skilled workforce in the world to build the province’s competitive advantage and quality of life.

Transforming Postsecondary Education

The 2012 Budget announced that the Ontario government would work to transform the postsecondary education sector. Building on earlier work that included consultations with the sector, the ministry has made significant progress in transforming the postsecondary education system in the past year. We have been working with partners including colleges, universities and students to improve quality and access in Ontario’s postsecondary sector and ensure financial sustainability over the long term.

Starting in 2013-2014, Ontario implemented a new 4-year tuition framework that caps annual tuition fee increases at an average of 3%, down from 5%. The new tuition billing policy, which takes effect in 2014-2015, will make it easier for students to pay their tuition while ensuring consistency across the postsecondary education system.

In November 2013, the government released Ontario’s Differentiation Policy Framework that sets the foundations for a more coordinated postsecondary system and a greater stewardship role for the province. Differentiation is a way of building on strengths, focusing investments and taking a strategic view of how to grow the postsecondary education system.

The differentiation policy supported the negotiation and signing of strategic mandate agreements between the province and all publicly assisted colleges and universities. All agreements are expected to be signed by the summer 2014 and outline how each postsecondary institution’s mission and activities align with the government’s priorities, student needs and the economy. They will help colleges and universities focus on their unique strengths while avoiding unnecessary duplication across the postsecondary education system.

To support transformation in the system, the government committed $57.5 million to help publicly assisted colleges and universities become more innovative and efficient through projects that improve the learning experience for students and help transform postsecondary education.

The funding included:

  • $47.5 million to support 119 projects at colleges and universities through the Productivity and Innovation Fund in 2013-2014. The projects supported productivity initiatives and strategic collaborations to improve the quality of learning for students and reduce costs
  • $10 million over 2 years for 39 projects through the College Financial Health and Sustainability Grant. The grant is available to 11 colleges to support initiatives that re-focus resources on core priorities and implement cost-saving efficiencies

Initiatives to modernize the system to support 21st century learning, such as online learning and credit transfer, have been a key part of the transformation plan and support the government priority to make the postsecondary education system more responsive to students.

In January, the government announced funding of $42 million over 3 years to create Ontario Online to enhance the student learning experience and provide better access to high-quality postsecondary education. Part of the funding will support the development of state-of-the-art courses that are fully transferable across multiple institutions.

A funding commitment of $74 million over 5 years to implement a transparent, predictable and consistent credit transfer system is helping to transform Ontario. The new credit transfer system being put in place takes into account the perspectives of student organizations, Colleges Ontario, the Council of Ontario Universities, and representatives from colleges and universities. The system now includes a bilingual, credit-transfer website, ONTransfer.ca, which provides clear and up-to-date information on transfer opportunities and allows students to search pathways between institutions. All 44 publicly assisted colleges and universities, as well as the Michener Institute and Six Nations Polytechnic, are involved in 1 or more pathway agreements.

In January, Ontario announced the launch of a new course-to-course transfer guide that lets students see how their course credits are recognized at other institutions, reducing duplication and cost for both students and the government.

Talent and Skills Summit

On March 18, 2014, Ontario hosted its first-ever Talent and Skills in the New Economy summit. The summit brought together leaders from government, education, business, labour and the not-for-profit sector to discuss ways to enhance our economy by ensuring that our people and their skills are developed and used to their fullest potential.

Participants shared stories, discussed research and looked at new ways to strengthen our postsecondary sector and respond to the needs and demands of our labour market.

Capital Expansion

In December 2013, a policy framework was released to oversee major capacity expansion in the postsecondary sector, introducing a process to ensure that new spaces are built in the right places. This was followed in March by an open call for proposals to postsecondary institutions to expand capacity where student demand is strong and where there are gaps in access to an undergraduate degree. The call for proposals included clear guidelines on how proposals will be evaluated. The deadline for proposals is September 2014.

Building new campuses, or expanding existing ones, supports the government commitment to provide funding for 60,000 more students. Since introducing the Reaching Higher Plan in 2005-06, Ontario has invested $2.8 billion in capital funding for Ontario colleges and universities.

Greater Access and Affordability

Postsecondary education is affordable and accessible to every qualified Ontarian, thanks to progress made over the last 10 years.

More Ontarians than ever before are getting the opportunity to pursue a college or university education or apprenticeship training. In 2013-2014:

  • there are 170,000 additional students enrolled at Ontario colleges and universities over the last 10 years, an increase that is greater than in any decade in Ontario’s history
  • the number of graduate students at Ontario universities has increased by 60% since 2002-03
  • there were 372,119 students enrolled at Ontario’s 20 publicly assisted universities, and 192,466 students enrolled full-time at Ontario’s 24 publicly assisted colleges
  • there were a total of 28,326 new registrations for apprenticeship training

Student Financial Support

Ontario is making sure Ontario students have financial support to pursue a college or university education.

In January 2012, the government launched the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant to keep the cost of postsecondary education affordable for low and middle income students and their families. The grant is indexed to reflect tuition increases.

In 2013-2014, eligible students in a university or college degree program saved $1,730 on tuition, while eligible students in college diploma and certificate programs saved $790. For the 2013-2014 academic year, about 230,000 college and university students will have their tuition costs reduced by 30%.

Improvements made to student financial aid in 2013-2014 include:

  • expanding eligibility for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant to include students in the final year of a 5-year co-op program, and students attending private career colleges and other private postsecondary institutions in Ontario, who are eligible for financial aid through OSAP
  • extending eligibility for the Ontario Distance grant to include Francophone students who travel a minimum of 80 kilometres to attend full-time studies in French, no matter where they live in the province
  • partnering with all Ontario universities and a third of the province’s colleges to jointly cover 100% of tuition fees, up to a maximum of $6,000 per year, for former Crown wards and youth who are in or leaving care of a Children’s Aid Society
  • providing, on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, a grant of $500 per month to help cover living costs for youth aged 21 to 24 who were formerly eligible for Continued Care and Support for Youth from a Children’s Aid Society and enrolled in OSAP-eligible college and university programs
  • extending the interest-free grace period on student loans for college and university graduates who start their own business or volunteer for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games
  • exempting students returning to postsecondary studies who volunteer for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games from making a pre-study contribution, to ensure their aid is not reduced because they worked as volunteers rather than taking a paid job

Highlights of Ontario’s student financial assistance program include:

  • Ontario issued more than $1.3 billion in grants and loans in 2013-2014, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant
  • the government spent about $400 million on up-front grants and bursaries to improve access to postsecondary education
  • more than 380,000 students — more than half of all full-time students — received student financial aid in 2013-2014, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant
  • investments in student financial aid over the past 10 years have resulted in more than double the number of students qualifying for aid, while enrolment has increased by 40%
  • Ontario’s Student Access Guarantee ensures qualified students in need have access to resources to pay for tuition, books and mandatory fees. Institutional aid issued under the Student Access Guarantee is issued automatically to qualifying students without an additional application
  • the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant caps annual student debt to $7,300 for a 2-term academic year and $10,950 for 3 terms
  • the Ontario portion of all OSAP loans is interest free and payment free during studies and for the first 6 months after graduation for all graduates, and 1 year for those graduates who work in the not-for-profit sector or volunteer for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games
  • borrowers who experience difficulty repaying their student loans can apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan. Participants in the plan are not required to pay more than 20% of their family income towards their loans. The plan also ensures debt is reduced to zero within 15 years or within 10 years for students with a permanent disability
  • Ontario has an interactive application that allows busy students to get up-to-date information and check their loan status on their smartphone
  • Ontario has streamlined the student financial assistance program through OSAP Express to make it easier and faster for students to receive their aid

Supporting Mental Health

Ontario is investing $27 million over 3 years to provide new mental health services and supports to postsecondary education students.

  • in December, a new mental health helpline, Good2Talk, was launched for college and university students with concerns about student life, health or mental well-being. The province-wide service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Ontario is also supporting 20 projects at colleges and universities that will improve access to high-quality mental health services and help identify mental health issues and connect students to supports faster

Improving Access to French-Language Postsecondary Education

In October 2013, the government announced an action plan to increase access to French-language postsecondary education in central southwestern Ontario. The action plan includes:

  • an Advisory Committee on French-Language Postsecondary Education for Central and Southwestern Ontario announced in February to help strengthen and expand French-language postsecondary education in those regions
  • investments of $14.5 million to help universities and colleges expand access to programs and services. This builds on the $2 million investments already made to help York University’s Glendon College, Collège Boréal and La Cité collégiale to expand programs and services in the Greater Toronto area

In 2012-2013, the ministry provided French-language funding of about $83.5 million for French-language postsecondary education. Each year, the ongoing funding supports:

  • more than 22,200 Francophone students attending French-language colleges and bilingual universities, a 23% increase from 2003-04 levels
  • the implementation of a Policy Framework for French-Language Postsecondary Education and Training to increase the quality of, and access to, French-language postsecondary education and training
  • improved access to French-language postsecondary education programs and services including the development of French-language learning resources and the provision of student support services

Supporting Aboriginal Students

The government is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education for all Aboriginal learners. The government released the Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework in 2011, a plan to close the education attainment gap for Aboriginal learners and enhance the learning experience of Aboriginal students.

Ontario will continue to provide funding to support the goals of the framework — $30.5 million in 2014-2015 through the Postsecondary Education Fund for Aboriginal Learners:

  • as of 2013-2014, all 24 colleges, 20 universities, 9 Aboriginal postsecondary education institutes, 3 community organizations, 3 training service delivery agents and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine receive supports to fund projects that are aligned with the goals set out in the Framework
  • in 2012-2013, 1,257 Aboriginal learners with financial need received support through the bursaries
  • in 2012-2013, approximately 18,239 Aboriginal learners attended Ontario colleges, universities and institutes, a 20% increase from 2009-10

Increasing access and opportunities for Ontario’s under-represented groups

Ontario continues to support 21 Crown Ward Championship Teams to help at-risk youth graduate from high school and pursue postsecondary education, training and employment.

Over the past 2 years, the government invested $22.8 million to help more than 22,880 first generation students succeed in college and university. The funding supported 39 projects involving orientation, peer support, mentoring, academic workshops and other unique academic services at colleges and universities. It also provided $3 million for bursaries to support more than 3,000 first generation students. The projects are being evaluated to measure their effectiveness in helping students succeed in postsecondary education.

Ontario also provides $9.5 million every year to support Pathways to Education. The program provides support to help young people from economically disadvantaged communities stay in high school, graduate and move on to postsecondary programs.

Starting in 2013-2014, the government increased financial aid for Crown wards and youth leaving the care of Children’s Aid Societies by partnering with all Ontario universities and a third of colleges to jointly cover 100% of their tuition fees, up to a maximum of $6,000 per year. A Living and Learning grant of $500 per month is now provided to youth aged 21 to 24 enrolled full-time in OSAP eligible programs.

Through the LifeAfterHighSchool project, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Province aims to address barriers in transition to postsecondary education. The project has been piloted in 72 high schools with low rates of transition to postsecondary education, with approximately 13,300 students receiving the program. The project provides specialized workshops to students, helping them to better understand the postsecondary education system, application process, and available financial assistance. For many students, the cost of either the Ontario College Application Service or Ontario University Application Centre application fee is covered by the program.

In 2013-2014, Ontario also launched 2 new pilot projects and a website to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to choose, apply for and succeed in postsecondary education. The website will help students with ASD and students with other disabilities to find information to help them make the transition into college or university. The pilot projects will offer opportunities such as an intensive summer orientation on campus and in residence, workshops for students and their parents, and a program on how to manage time, responsibilities and studies. Faculty will also benefit from new tools, tip sheets and teaching strategies.

The government also launched an expanded online service to help postsecondary students with perceptual disabilities get their textbooks in the alternative formats they need, faster and in higher quality than ever before. The service improves the delivery of textbooks in various formats for more than 6,000 postsecondary students who are blind, have low vision or a learning disability, or are unable to use print materials.

Graduate Spaces

In the 2011 Budget, the Putting Students First Plan included a commitment to adding another 6,000 spaces dedicated for graduate studies. The ministry has allocated over 1,600 spaces towards this target. Allocation of additional spaces is being finalized with the strategic mandate agreements. By 2013-2014, the government increased graduate enrolment by 60% when compared to 2002-03.

Private Career Colleges

Reforms for private career colleges are improving student protection and oversight in the sector. In July 2013, the ministry began to collect the data required to calculate and publish Key Performance Indicators for vocational programs provided at OSAP-approved private career colleges. In July 2015, this initiative will be extended to all private career colleges in Ontario. Key Performance Indicators will help students make informed choices and improve quality and accountability in the sector. The ministry is providing incentives to improve student outcomes by tightening criteria for OSAP eligibility. Also, eligibility for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant was extended to private career college students in January 2014.

A Rewarding Student Experience

Ontario postsecondary education students are satisfied with the quality of their learning experiences at college and university.

  • an average of 79% of university undergraduates rate their educational experience as good to excellent (Source: 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement – NSSE)
  • an average of 78% of undergraduates agree that, given the option to start again, they would choose the same university they are now attending (Source: 2011 NSSE)
  • 76% of college students are satisfied with their experience at a public college
  • 80% of college students are satisfied with the overall quality of their learning experiences in their given program of study

Higher Graduation Rates

More access to postsecondary education opportunities and improvements to students' learning experiences have led to higher rates of student success at colleges and universities.

  • 77% of undergraduate students now graduate from university, up from 73% in 2002
  • 65% of students now graduate from college, up from 57% in 2002

Graduates Are Getting Good Jobs

Students are getting the high-quality education they need to get good jobs and help Ontario compete in the knowledge economy — now and in the future.

  • 92% of 2010 university graduates were employed within 2 years of graduation and 82% were employed in careers related to their program of study
  • 83% of 2012-2013 graduates from public colleges were employed within 6 months of graduation

Employment and Training

The government invests more than $1 billion in employment and training services each year through Employment Ontario, which serves more than 1 million people, including employers, workers, apprentices, newcomers and youth.

Employment Ontario

Employment Ontario invests in infrastructure, employer tax credits, loans, employment and training programs and services for Ontarians. In recent years, Employment Ontario has created a one-stop service where people can find a full range of employment and training programs to help them find and keep a job.

In the 2012 Budget, the government announced that it would further enhance its employment and training programs and services to better prepare Ontarians to meet the challenges of increasing globalization and rapid technological change. Programs and services would focus on delivering measureable results and would be enhanced through integrating employment and training services across government with Employment Ontario, strengthening apprenticeships and maintaining support to the Second Career program.

The 2013 Budget reaffirmed the commitment to integrate employment and training services across government with Employment Ontario. The goal is to give individuals and employers easier and better access to the services that meet their needs — whether it is training to improve skills, opportunities to gain work experience, or strategies and tools to recruit local talent.

In 2013-2014, the Employment Ontario network:

  • helped approximately 1 million Ontarians, including more than 150,000 employers across Ontario

In 2013-2014, key Employment Ontario programs helped:

  • more than 28,000 Ontarians register for training in the skilled trades as an apprentice
  • 92,529 students find summer jobs and services through the Summer Jobs Service
  • more than 43,000 learners through the Literacy and Basic Skills Program
  • more than 684,000 Ontarians look for a job through Employment Service
  • 10,534 Ontarians through Second Career funding
  • more than 9,000 laid-off workers plan their return to the labour market through the Rapid Re-Employment and Training Service

Youth Employment Fund

The Youth Employment Fund, announced in the 2013 Budget, was launched in September 2013. Through the fund, Ontario is investing $195 million over 2 years to provide job experience to 25,000 unemployed youth. Part of the government’s Youth Jobs Strategy, the fund is offered through the Employment Ontario network and helps employers offer 4- to 6-month job placements for youth, particularly those facing multiple barriers to employment. As of the end of March, approximately 10,000 job placement opportunities have been created for Ontario youth aged 15 to 29.

Employment Service

The Employment Service, launched in August 2010, is delivered through a network of 171 service providers at 324 funded service delivery sites across Ontario. In addition, there are a number of sites that provide visiting and specialized services in their communities, as needed. This brings the total number of Employment Service points of service to more than 400.

The Employment Service network is delivering results. In 2013-2014, 69% of youth (<30), 64% of adults (30-45), and 63% of older workers (45+) found employment after leaving the program and an additional 13% of youth (<30), 16% of adults (30-45), and 14% of older workers (45+) have proceeded to further education or training.

Second Career

Second Career offers unemployed, laid-off workers up to $28,000 in support for tuition, books, transportation and other training related expenses to help them participate in training and is one of a broad number of programs offered through Ontario’s integrated employment and training network, Employment Ontario. It has helped more than 76,500 Ontarians participate in training since the start of the program (June 2008).

A survey shows 79% of Second Career students found jobs within 1 year of graduation. Also, overall, more than 94% of Second Career clients responded that skills training helped them with their future employment.

Literacy and Basic Skills

Starting in 2011, recognizing the importance of literacy, Ontario began investing an additional $44 million in the Literacy and Basic Skills program over 3 years. The Literacy and Basic Skills Program is being delivered through an Employment Ontario service delivery network of more than 200 transfer payment agencies, including colleges of applied arts and technology, school boards and community-based organizations, at more than 300 sites throughout the province.

Positive outcomes were reported by 64% of Literacy and Basic Skills learners (i.e., learners exiting the program to employment, or going on to further education/training).

In 2012, the government launched the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework following a $5 million investment to support its development. The framework includes competencies that structure the learning that takes places in Literacy and Basic Skills programs.

The Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework is the cornerstone of Employment Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills program. This framework focuses learners along clear goal paths for more measurable, focused outcomes. It also makes it easier for adults to transition through Employment Ontario and the broader education and training system, so they can find a job.

In addition, starting in 2013-2014, the government created the Service Delivery Network Development Fund, which provides more opportunities for our service delivery partners to conduct research and develop and modernize service delivery.

Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Training

Over the past 11 years, the Ontario government has significantly expanded the apprenticeship system. New annual apprenticeship registrations increased from 17,100 in 2002-03 to more than 28,000 in 2013-2014.

The province also recognizes the importance of supporting apprentices to complete their programs and obtain certification. Supports and incentives include:

  • bonuses for both apprentices and employers when training is successfully completed
  • opportunities for apprentices to complete more of their in-school training up front if work placements are temporarily unavailable
  • income supports to help apprentices with the costs associated with attending school

Additionally, Ontario needs to maintain high standards in the skilled trades to make sure that the province has the qualified workforce we need, and to protect public and workplace safety. That’s why in 2009, legislation was passed to create the Ontario College of Trades, an industry-driven governing body for the province’s apprenticeship and skilled trades system.

The college provides a balanced approach to governance that considers the needs of employers, employees, apprentices, the economy and the public. The college opened its doors to members in April 2013.

By protecting standards of training and quality of work, the College of Trades helps skilled workers keep pace with changes and ensures the public benefits from highly skilled work. The college’s workplace enforcement program protects certified skilled workers and apprentices from unfair competition.

Demonstrating industry leadership for the trades and apprenticeship by consulting and engaging with its members, the college also determines the best way to deal with a variety of issues that face the apprenticeship system — including apprenticeship ratios and compulsory certification.

Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2013-2014*

Type of expense Cost of expense
Operating $7,236.4 million
Capital $368.4 million
Staff Strength** (as of March 31, 2014) $1,136 million

*Interim Actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2014 Ontario Budget.
**Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions.

ISSN 1718-7095