The cities and towns that universities call home are feeling the effects of local demographic shifts brought about by aging populations and new technologies, while small businesses and local industry continue to navigate the disruption caused by the pandemic. Investments in social and economic infrastructure across Ontario are now more critical than ever to ensure the pathway to future prosperity for the province.
As major employers and large purchasers, Ontario’s universities are often one of the top five employers in the region. They collectively employed more than 138,600 Ontarians in 2020 and purchase approximately $5 billion in goods and services each year.
As the pandemic continues to impact our local economies, communities and social well-being, Ontario’s universities remain committed to helping build the social, economic and physical infrastructure of the province’s communities, while acting as strong economic drivers in local communities.
Many small businesses and community members also access innovative facilities and spaces where they can test ideas and scale operations, providing communities and local industry with necessary resources to recover from the pandemic.
Technology-enhanced learning environments and cutting-edge facilities also increase a region’s competitiveness by supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce and conducting ground-breaking innovation.
The activities that take place at these facilities not only improve the lives of Ontarians, but also attract the talent and investment communities need to create new business opportunities and jobs.
In Partnering to Drive Ontario’s Recovery through Talent and Innovation, we outline how, as Ontario looks to rebuild and recover from COVID-19, Ontario’s universities are at the forefront of rebuilding a world-class health-care system; developing job-ready graduates; driving regional economic development; and creating solutions to Ontario’s challenges.
Browse through reports and related materials to find out about Ontario universities' role in everything ranging from university graduate employment to family medicine and community transformation.
