University Funding Model Consultation

Investing in the talent and skills of this Ontario’s greatest asset – its people – is a core pillar of the Ontario government’s four-point plan to build the province up. It is clear that Ontario’s economic future is dependent on its ability to be a global leader in postsecondary education, training and building a culture of collaboration and innovation.

That’s why, since 2003, Ontario has increased operating funding to universities by 83 per cent – an investment that has led to the single largest increase in postsecondary students in any period in Ontario’s history.

Ontario is working closely with institutions to build on their individual strengths, ensuring students continue to have access to a high-quality postsecondary education delivered in innovative ways. An important part of this transformation involves looking at how public funds are allocated to best enable institutions to support positive student outcomes and ensure long-term sustainability.

Despite the great progress that Ontario has realized, changes need to be made to modernize the way the government funds universities – the current, enrolment-based funding model has not changed in more than 50 years. It is time to fund universities in a way that reflects the 21st century learning environment.

In March 2015, Ontario appointed former Deputy Minister Suzanne Herbert to lead open, transparent, and thorough consultations with sector experts, university leaders, student organizations, faculty and employers. The purpose of the consultation was to gather comments and views on a new distribution design for the $3.5 billion the ministry provides to Ontario’s publicly assisted universities. Ms. Herbert’s consultations concluded on September 1, 2015.

The government accepted a report on December 10 summarizing the results of its recent university funding formula model consultations. The government is reviewing the report and will carefully consider the proposed strategic directions while developing a new model for funding universities in a more quality-driven, sustainable and transparent manner.