NDP: Ford’s budget is a missed opportunity for future generations, slashes $1.2 billion from colleges and universities

LONDON – NDP Shadow Minister for Colleges and Universities, Peggy Sattler (London West) has issued the following statement in response to the $1.2 billion in cuts projected in Ontario’s 2025 budget:

“The Ford government had a chance to stop the bleeding in our college sector. Instead, this budget offers disappointment for students, workers, and communities across Ontario. Colleges and universities across the province are being forced to cut programs, spots, and jobs, and the government just lays out the red carpet for more cuts in the coming years.

“In many communities, college campuses are not just a major employer, but also an important draw for residents who keep the local economy afloat. Ontario students deserve to have options to pursue careers that are fulfilling and in-demand in our labour market.

“Building a tariff-proof future and strengthening Ontario means building a resilient workforce and setting the next generation up for success, it means more opportunities for workers to upgrade their skills or enter new careers.

“This is how we weather the economic uncertainty that Ontario is facing right now. Yesterday’s budget was a missed opportunity to strengthen Ontario and build resilience for the future.

“We will feel these cuts in communities across the province. This budget is a clear indication of the grim reality of post-secondary institutions under the Ford government. If our colleges and universities fail, our economy fails. We cannot let that happen.”

Background

• The budget shows $1.25b decrease in spending from interim 2024-25
• Projected spending decrease from $13.3B in 23-24 to $12.8B in 2027-28
• The budget does nothing to increase in permanent per-student funding to stabilize the sector
• The budget fails to address the need additional seats to meet the projected demand and avert a shortage of PSE opportunities for Ontario students
• The budget does not offer access to financial assistance for students