TORONTO, May 27, 2026 – “Ontario’s universities welcome the provincial government’s plan to expand capacity in high-demand programs – including the call for proposals to allocate 40,000 of the 70,000 additional student spaces across the system. This commitment recognizes the growing demand for high-quality talent and the critical role universities play in preparing the province’s future workforce.
Ontario is experiencing growing demand from both students and employers for advanced skills and postsecondary credentials, particularly in areas critical to the province’s economic growth and international competitiveness. In fact, since 2020, the number of Ontario high school students applying to an Ontario university has increased by 17%, with more growth expected in the years ahead. Demand is especially strong in programs that are central to Ontario’s prosperity – including STEM, health care, education, AI and other high demand programs that support the province’s economic future.
Ontario’s universities are ready to meet this moment. They play a vital role in preparing graduates with the advanced knowledge, research skills and problem-solving capabilities needed in an increasingly complex, innovation-driven economy. With a 95% rate of employment within two years of graduation, university graduates consistently demonstrate strong employment outcomes and are essential to strengthening Ontario’s innovation economy.
The government’s call for proposals is an opportunity to expand access to high-quality university education, which will help ensure more students can pursue the programs they aspire to, while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce that reflects regional and sector-specific needs across the province.
We look forward to working with the government to ensure these new spaces align with student demand, support the growth of our economy, and respond to regional labour market needs — helping more students access in-demand programs while strengthening Ontario’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness.”
– Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities