A million Orazoonies just fell from the sky in the East End

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces $1 million for campus improvements at Algoma University College

McGuinty government investment will upgrade facilities for students and boost Sault Ste. Marie’s economy

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – The McGuinty government is providing $1 million to Algoma University College to make improvements to existing buildings, upgrade equipment, renovate facilities, increase energy efficiency and improve security and accessibility David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“We recognize that today’s students will build our future and it is important to prepare them for success in Ontario’s increasingly knowledge-based economy,” said Orazietti. “This investment will provide an immediate boost to the local economy with new spending and jobs and will also help to create a brighter future for our community by supporting students with improved facilities at Algoma University College.” Today’s announcement is part of a province-wide investment of $200 million for improvements to university campuses to provide students with safe, modern and more accessible learning environments.

Ontario’s universities have been experiencing unprecedented growth and need to ensure campuses continue to provide the best learning space possible to support students.

The Ontario government is committed to ensuring high quality postsecondary education is accessible across Ontario.

“Algoma University College is extremely pleased to receive this generous provincial funding for infrastructure. This is much appreciated government support for the maintenance of the best possible learning and research environments on our university campus,” said Celia Ross, Algoma University College president.

This funding is part of the ambitious commitment in the 2008 budget to expand government investment in post-secondary education and training.

Funding in the budget included a total of $1.5 billion invested over three years in Ontario’s post-secondary institutions and training programs.

This includes:

- $560 million to expand and improve training and apprenticeship programs across the province. - $465 million to provide more support for students, including the new textbook grant.

- Every full-time college and university student will now benefit from a new textbook and technology grant, with grants of $150 per student this fall, $225 in the fall of 2009 and $300 in subsequent years.

- $970 million invested in Ontario’s colleges and universities to expand and improve facilities and equipment. “Ontario’s skilled and highly educated workforce is a key economic advantage and enhances Ontario’s position as a destination of choice for global investment,” said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy.

Postsecondary enrolment is up 25 per cent in Ontario since 2002-03, with 100,000 more students attending college or university.

Ontario has one of the highest postsecondary enrolment rates in the G8 group of industrialized nations.

Learn more about Algoma University College.

Explore what you can do after high school.

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