Ontario's Post-Secondary Funding Boost Falls Short of National Parity
Event summary
- Ontario announced new post-secondary funding on February 12, 2026, described as 'overdue by nearly a decade' by OPSEU/SEFPO.
- The funding introduces a two-tier model, prioritizing select programs over others, with colleges still lagging at 59% of national per-student funding.
- OPSEU/SEFPO warns of potential political influence in program selection, citing past controversies like the Skills Development Fund.
- Ontario's youth unemployment hit a nine-year high in 2025, with 75% of Ontarians anticipating job losses in the next five years.
The big picture
Ontario's post-secondary funding remains the lowest in Canada despite the new investment, reflecting decades of underfunding. The two-tier model risks exacerbating regional disparities, while labor market pressures demand urgent action. The province's ability to retain talent and foster economic growth hinges on closing this funding gap.
What we're watching
- Funding Allocation
- How the prioritization of select programs will impact broader educational equity and economic outcomes.
- Political Influence
- Whether the funding model will replicate past controversies, favoring insiders over broader student needs.
- Economic Impact
- The pace at which Ontario can address labor shortages and youth unemployment with current funding levels.