2018 Ontario Budget Highlights

The Honourable Charles Sousa, the Ontario Minister of Finance, delivered the 2018 Ontario Budget on March 28, 2018. The budget included significant investments in healthcare, education and supports for seniors. If passed, the budget could lead to new policies and services that will increase the demand for personal support workers, nurses and other medical professionals as well as early childhood educators and guidance counsellors. Below are selected highlights of the budget that impact postsecondary education. The full budget is available online.

Humber’s Community and Justice Services student, Ronisha Cruickshank, 34, received a standing ovation at the end of the 2018 Ontario budget speech on Wednesday. Finance Minister Charles Sousa spoke highly of the single mother of two and her journey to postsecondary education after completing high school 15 years ago. Cruickshank is one of many students who are benefitting from new OSAP applications, free tuition, child care support and more. Cruickshank was applauded for her work ethic and dedication to her studies and family. Cruickshank plans to continue her studies at Guelph-Humber in social services or child youth care studies in the future.

Budget 2018 Highlights - A Plan for Care and Opportunity

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION (PSE)

Operating funding

  • Total operating funding for colleges is expected to be $1.5934 billion in 2018-19. This includes the one-time funding of $125 million to support quality programs and student outcomes. 

Capital funding

  • More than $3 billion in capital grants to PSE institutions over the next ten years
  • More than doubling of funding for college equipment and technology renewal each year for the for the next three years

New Ontario Training Bank

  • $63 million investment to establish this new organization with the objective of bringing employers, employees and training institutions together to develop skills programs that are tailored to the needs of the local economy
  • It aims to create a one stop shop for employers, job seekers and workers – provide employers with access to essential skills upgrading, including digital literacy for workers at no cost to the employer

New Ontario Apprenticeship Strategy

  • $170 million investment over three years to implement a new strategy that will:
    • Expand the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
    • Improve guidance counselling resources
    • Create a new grant to promote pooled group sponsorship models
    • Launch a Local Apprenticeship Innovation Fund to increase opportunities and fund local/regional and/or sector-specific pilots
    • Focus on continuing education for trade professionals
  • A new Office of Apprenticeship Opportunity will be launched to support apprentices from underrepresented groups and build a diverse, inclusive apprenticeship system.

Innovative Programming and Retraining

  • $132 million over three years to support innovative programming and PSE-industry partnerships, including:
  • Microcredentials and flexible short-term programming
  • Dual curriculum
  • Extension of the Career Ready Fund
  • Equipment funding to support enrolment growth in STEM programs

OSAP

  • Starting in Fall 2018, amount for parental contributions and spousal contributions will be reduced to make it easier for students from middle income families and those who are married to qualify for OSAP and get more financial assistance