College and University

Ontario's post-secondary education system is designed as a private, for-profit business model, even at the community college level. This structure forces students to rely heavily on student loans, burdening them with debt that can last decades. Many individuals who realize their chosen program is not the right fit are still stuck repaying loans for education they no longer wish to pursue. Furthermore, the weight of student debt often prevents graduates from securing additional loans for homes or vehicles, making financial stability and upward mobility increasingly difficult. This is an unfair system that places an unnecessary financial strain on young Ontarians simply seeking to improve their future.

Tuition costs have skyrocketed over the years, making post-secondary education increasingly unaffordable for many families. Even with financial aid programs, students often graduate with thousands of dollars in debt that take years—if not decades—to repay. This financial burden discourages many from pursuing higher education, leading to a less educated workforce and stifled economic growth. The system disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds, creating further economic inequality and limiting opportunities for social mobility.

Many European countries have recognized the importance of accessible education and provide free post-secondary schooling. Countries such as Germany, Norway, and Finland offer free or highly subsidized tuition, ensuring that students are not left drowning in debt. Meanwhile, in Canada, we refuse to provide the same opportunities to our students while simultaneously allocating (insert figure with source) dollars to fund free public college education for students in Israel. The unfairness of this situation became starkly evident with the financial collapse of Laurentian University in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of stable funding for our own institutions shows how dire the need for reform is. Ontario students deserve better, and we need to prioritize investment in their education over sending taxpayer dollars abroad.

Another major issue is the increasing reliance on international students to fund Ontario's post-secondary institutions. Instead of providing stable, long-term public funding, the Ontario government has allowed colleges and universities to exploit international students as a revenue source, often charging them significantly higher tuition fees. This practice not only places financial strain on these students but also creates an unsustainable funding model that could collapse in times of crisis, as seen during the pandemic. We must shift toward a more sustainable, publicly funded education system that prioritizes accessibility and quality over profit.

Here’s the plan: we need to start treating education as a public good, not a commodity. I propose launching a pilot program where the Ontario government purchases Laurentian University, Seneca College, St. Lawrence College, and Loyalist College, converting them into fully public institutions with universal, tuition-free education. These schools would serve as the foundation for a new approach to post-secondary education in Ontario—one that prioritizes students over profits. I know the pushback will come from corporate interests and partisan roadblocks, but let’s be honest—investing in education is investing in Ontario’s future. The success of this pilot program will show the province that free post-secondary education is not only feasible but also essential for economic growth and social mobility.

Additionally, to address concerns regarding the influx of international students and its potential strain on the system, I propose constructing a brand-new college in Central Ontario (Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough County area) dedicated exclusively to international students. This location is ideal, given its proximity to Trent University and Fleming College, allowing for a strong educational ecosystem. International students play a vital role in filling labor shortages in critical fields, including healthcare, and this new institution would help support their education while ensuring domestic students are not left behind in the process. Read more...

Beyond making post-secondary education more affordable, we must also improve its quality. Institutions should be encouraged to focus on skill development and job preparedness, ensuring students graduate with the tools necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. More investment should be directed toward expanding apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and cooperative education to provide students with real-world experience before they enter the job market. Furthermore, we must increase funding for research and innovation at Ontario's universities to drive technological advancement and economic growth.

Education is not just a personal benefit—it is a public good. A well-educated workforce leads to a stronger economy, higher wages, and improved social outcomes. By prioritizing universal post-secondary education, we can create a fairer, more prosperous Ontario for all. It is time for bold action and meaningful investment in the future of our students. Through strategic investment and bold action, we can create a fairer, more prosperous future for everyone.