FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 7, 2005, Peterborough
The recommendations contained in the Rae Review of Postsecondary Education
represent the most substantial changes to the university system in the
last decade says Bonnie Patterson, Trent University's President
and Vice-Chancellor.
"Mr. Rae and his panel are to be congratulated for completing such
a thorough review of the many pressing issues facing Ontario's universities,"
said President Patterson. "He has mapped a course of action that,
if implemented, can raise Ontario's national ranking from last place
for funding university education."
The report's recommendations include:
- New legislation to provide a place in a college or university for every
qualified student
- $300 million for student assistance including up-front grants for 95,000
low-income students
- More access to loans and new loans for parents to contribute to their
children's education
- A request to the federal government to focus its student assistance
program on living costs
- A coordinated system with the federal government to allow students to
repay their loans at rates tied more directly to their income
- More cooperation and collaboration between colleges and universities
- A responsible funding partnership to ensure sustainable revenues
Mr. Rae recommends substantial new investments of $1.3 billion:
- $700-million for quality improvements
- $180-million for graduate education
- $160-million to expand participation – new enrollment
The report also recommends the creation of an independent body. "We
welcome the proposed Council of Higher Education that will assist universities
to set targets for enrollment and quality improvements," said President
Patterson.
The report calls for additional $540-milion in annual provincial funding
by 2007-08 for capital items including $200-million for Facility Renewal,
$300-million for New Facilities and $40-million for Equipment.
In his report, Mr. Rae emphasizes that tuition should not increase at
all until the student assistance system is reformed and government has
made significant new investments. With the new regulatory frameworks proposed,
institutions would be responsible for setting tuition rates and would
be responsible for supporting low-income students and students in need
to cover fees in excess of $6,000 per year.
"It is imperative that the government incorporate these recommendations
into its upcoming spring budget in order to address the critically important
issues of quality and accessibility," said President Patterson.
She adds, "Fixing financial aid for students, investing in capital
and deferred maintenance, and making new investments in graduate studies
and research are vital to the university sector and Ontario's future
prosperity."
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For more information contact:
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs, (7045) 748-1011, ext. 1224
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