Ontario government extends postsecondary tuition freeze

Article content

The Ontario government will maintain a general freeze on college and university tuitions for the 2023-24 academic year.

The government is also creating a panel of experts to provide advice on maintaining a financially stable postsecondary education sector and a long-term tuition fee policy.

“Laying the groundwork for the financial sustainability of the postsecondary education sector will protect it for current and future students, ensuring they can continue to receive world-class education provided by Ontario’s postsecondary institutions,” Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop said in a statement Thursday.

However, Ontario colleges are “disappointed” with the decision to extend a tuition freeze that has been in place since the government implemented a 10% tuition reduction in 2019-20.

Colleges Ontario president and CEO Linda Franklin said in a statement that colleges have not been given the flexibility to deal with escalating cost pressures.

“Tuition isn’t a barrier for college students in Ontario,” Franklin said. “We could have increased tuition while continuing to ensure college education remains affordable and accessible to all qualified students.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

General tuition at Ontario colleges is the second lowest in Canada and 26% lower than the national average, the statement says.

Calling the current situation unsustainable, colleges are expressing hope that the new blue-ribbon panel for postsecondary education will lead to measures needed to protect and enhance the sector’s programs, the statement says.

The announcement Thursday from the Ontario government does allow for an up to 5% tuition increase for students coming form other provinces.

aartuso@postmedia.com