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COU Statement: Response to Ontario Spring 2021 Budget
With a shared goal to protect the health of Ontarians and the health of our economy, Ontario’s universities support the provincial government’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Ontario while positioning the province for a strong recovery.
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COU Statement: COVID-19 Funding Announcement
The Ontario government has announced that it is providing $106.4M for the postsecondary sector with $44M going to some universities severely impacted by COVID-19. Ontario’s universities welcome this investment which will help support several of our institutions with some of their most urgent and pressing costs associated with COVID-19.
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Playing a Vital Role in Ontario’s Recovery
Through these uncertain times, Colleges Ontario and Ontario's universities recognize the importance of working together to protect the health and well-being of our communities and the people of Ontario. Our joint message takes a look at the vital role vibrant postsecondary institutions will play in preparing students for life-long careers, building thriving regions and supporting a globally competitive economy, as we help rebuild our province.
National Day of Observance
Ontario’s Universities Commemorate National Day of Observance
Today, across the country, Ontario’s universities commemorate the people who lost their lives and recognize the significant impacts of COVID-19 felt by every individual in every region of every Canadian province.  
Ontario’s Universities face mounting COVID-19 impacts
As all sectors across the province feel the impacts of the pandemic, Ontario’s universities are no exception. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s universities have incurred more than $500 million in combined net costs and lost revenue and the sector is seeking sector-wide cost recovery support from the provincial government to protect services and to foster innovation and economic growth. 
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Partnering to Support Mental Health and Wellness
Initiatives like #BellLet’sTalk Day are helping raise awareness around mental health and reduce stigma, and while gains have been made when it comes to openly talking about and supporting mental illness, more needs to be done to help ensure individuals can get the support they need to pursue their ambitions. We all have a role to play.
Partnering to Support Ontario's Recovery
Ontario’s universities have a vital role to play in fortifying our province and helping address the urgent needs of Ontario. Our pre-budget submission details how, through a Five-Point Plan to Support Ontario’s Recovery, government and universities can partner to tackle the priorities that are critical to Ontario’s economic growth, both now and in the future; creating a more prosperous future for our students, communities and the province.
A Message from the Presidents and Principals of Ontario’s Universities
"Ontario universities are planning for a fall term and are focused on finding ways to create an enriching university experience. While each institution will develop its own approach to the fall term, we are united by the common goal of delivering university programs that will support student success." Read this message from the presidents and principals of Ontario's universities.
Partnering in the Fight Against COVID-19
Ontario’s universities have a significant role to play in the fight against COVID-19. Visit this landing page to find more information about how universities are partnering in the global fight against the pandemic, links to each Ontario university’s COVID-19 page and additional resources.
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Ontario’s universities are actively working with their
partners on the issues that matter most to Ontarians.

We are partnering to grow the economy, to equip graduates with skills and experience for the jobs of the future, to improve health care so that Ontarians can lead longer and healthier lives, and to support life-changing ideas and discoveries through research and innovation.

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Making an Impact
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Recognizing the “micro-credentials” that help employers assess competencies
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Showcasing best practices and tools in work-integrated learning
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University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies building
Helping Canadians upskill for the new economy
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News & Updates
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March 24, 2021
COU Statement: Response to Ontario Spring 2021 Budget
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March 19, 2021
COU Statement: COVID-19 Funding Announcement
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March 15, 2021
Partnering to Support Ontario’s Recovery
Issues Ontarians'
Care About
We spent a year listening to what Ontarians had to say about their hopes, concerns, ideas and aspirations for the future. Through partnering with others, Ontario's universities are working together to attain those hopes, alleviate those concerns, and make those ideas a reality. Learn about our commitments to creating a better Ontario.
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Jobs and Skills
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The Economy
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Research and
Innovation
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Health Care
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Mental Health
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Building Strong
Communities
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Access
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The Environment
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Diversity
How We're Partnering for
a Better Future for Ontario
Ontario's universities are actively working with partners to ensure our students thrive, our communities are vibrant and our province remains dynamic.
Partnering to help Ontario
Ontarians Talk About
Their Future
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2020-21 Pre-Budget Submission to the Ontario Government

Our pre-budget submission details how, through a Five-Point Plan to Support Ontario’s Recovery, government and universities can partner to tackle the priorities that are critical to Ontario’s economic growth, both now and in the future; creating a more prosperous future for our students, communities and the province.

Read the Submission
For more reports, infographics and data, browse our resources section