Diversity

Ensuring that economic success and high-quality of life are attainable by all Ontarians.

As Canada and Ontario become increasingly diverse, it’s vital that universities reflect the province’s population and help create inclusive environments. Ontario’s diversity is one of the province’s greatest strengths, and ensuring inclusive and welcoming campuses is essential for both the sake of our students and the province.

Diversity (pdf)

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Key Facts

36%

Of Ontario's population projected to be immigrants by 2036

64,000+ international students

from more than 200 countries call Ontario universities home

42%

Growth of Canada's Aboriginal population from 2006 to 2016

27%

Of Canada's Aboriginal population that is 14 years of age and under

Ontario and Canada’s populations are growing today because of immigration. Statistics Canada estimates that immigrants will account for up to 30 per cent of Canada’s population, and 36 per cent of Ontario’s population, by 2036.
The Aboriginal population grew by 42 per cent between 2006 and 2016, more than four times faster than the non-Aboriginal population. Twenty-seven per cent of that population is 14 and under. But Aboriginal peoples in Ontario and across the country are less likely to have a postsecondary education than non-Aboriginal people.
Fostering inclusive campuses that reflect the population of Ontario and Canada is essential to ensuring the province thrives in the future and that it benefits fully from the knowledge and ideas of its diverse population.
Universities are proud of their diverse campuses, but we also know that diversity brings a responsibility to ensure there are culturally sensitive supports on campus and spaces where all students can gather and feel comfortable.
Committing to the work of reconciliation is also fundamental, not just on campuses but across the province. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) outlined recommendations in its 2015 report on how educators can help repair the harm caused by residential schools. Universities have since redoubled their Indigenization efforts.

“Innovation is just new thinking translated into the marketplace. So if you have the same people talking about the same issues over and over again, you’re not going to get innovation.”

- Matthew Fortier, Vice-President of Policy at the Institute of Corporate Directors, at the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Diversity and Inclusion

What Ontario Universities
Are Doing

Ontario’s universities are committed to building diverse and inclusive campuses across the province. To achieve that, we are:

Working with Aboriginal communities to ensure Aboriginal students encounter a welcoming and supportive environment on campus. We are committed to incorporating Aboriginal histories, culture, traditions, and culturally appropriate supports and meets the specific challenges that are laid out for educators as part of the TRC’s recommendations.

Fostering diversity on our campuses by recruiting international students from around the world. Ontario’s universities welcome more than 64,000 students from more than 200 countries, helping bring a world of ideas to the province where they can help our businesses and communities thrive.

Offering a wide range of cultural supports that ensure international students and students from immigrant and minority communities all feel safe and welcomed while on campus.

How Government Can Help

Invest in culturally sensitive student services

Increase the investment in culturally sensitive student services and the implementation of cultural awareness and safety training for students, faculty and staff.
Support Aboriginal students

Increase investments to attract and support Aboriginal students, including incentives to increase the numbers of Aboriginal faculty.

Partnering for a Better Future

By fostering diversity and inclusion on campuses and across the province, Ontario can ensure it is benefitting from the range of knowledge and ideas that help make our communities vibrant, our workplaces innovative, and the province a great place to live.

Read the Report

In our report, you will find a comprehensive summary of what we heard from Ontarians and how Ontario's universities are working across all sectors to help students thrive, support our communities, and drive a growing, dynamic province.

summary report

full report

Resources

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.

Resources: Building Strong Communities

Ontarians' Priority Issues