Ontario colleges welcome the commitment to strengthen STEM education and are encouraged by this investment. Colleges Ontario also recognizes that there are many applied programs in the college sector that are not included in the current definition of STEM programming, but are equally essential to our workforce, economy and our future.
Of the $150 million announced for STEM growth, $12 million is allocated to public colleges. This funding shines a light on the importance of all levels of government to expand the definition of STEM programs to include other key areas of applied technology, health care technologies, engineering technicians and many technical trades. A contemporary definition will unlock the potential of the entire sector to meet Ontario's workforce demands now, and in the future.
Many of these important programs are offered at colleges across Ontario and serve the needs of local communities and the province. At a time when colleges are making tough decisions about what programs they can afford to continue to deliver, a comprehensive sector approach could not be more important. We look forward to working with the provincial government to strengthen the much-needed talent pool in Ontario and provide the college graduates necessary to build our economy.
See our pre-budget submission for more information.