TORONTO, June 18, 2025 – “Ontario’s universities welcome the leadership shown by Ontario’s Big City Mayors in their recent meeting, where they passed a motion requesting the Provincial Government to implement the Blue Ribbon Panel’s report and recommendations for the postsecondary sector. The mayors’ collective voice sends a strong message about the importance and value of investing in Ontario’s universities.
We thank Mayor Dorothy McCabe of Waterloo for introducing the resolution, which highlights that Ontario’s universities are facing unprecedented financial pressures, including the lowest per-student funding in the country, an ongoing tuition cut and freeze, and reduced international student revenues. The motion calls on the province to review the postsecondary funding model, increase operating grant levels, and ensure institutions have the resources necessary to continue delivering high-quality education and research.
In the face of rising economic challenges from tariffs to shifting supply chains, the role of Ontario’s universities in driving innovation, talent, and economic growth has never been more important. As Ontario continues to navigate these uncertain times, a strong partnership with municipalities, the provincial government, local chambers of commerce and universities is needed to address these challenges and to ensure a prosperous future for all Ontarians.
With support and recognition from Ontario’s Big City Mayors, as well as Ontario’s businesses, and the manufacturing industry around the critical role universities play in Ontario’s economic prosperity, we look forward to working with the government, industry and communities to build a stronger, self-reliant Ontario – one where students have opportunities, businesses can grow and the province remains a leader in the global economy.”
– Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities
Read the full statement from Ontario’s Big City Mayors here.