Published plans and annual reports 2022–2023: Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Ministry overview

Ministry’s vision

Ontario’s postsecondary system prepares students and job seekers with high-quality education, skills and opportunities needed to get good jobs, providing Ontario’s businesses with the skilled workforce and talent they need to thrive and prosper.

The ministry provides operating funding to publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, manages capital funding programs in the postsecondary sector, establishes provincial objectives for the use of public funds and designs frameworks for achieving these objectives. Private career colleges play an important role in Ontario’s postsecondary landscape, providing learners with the knowledge and skills they need to get a job in today’s workplace. The ministry also ensures that high-quality postsecondary education is accessible to all qualified candidates through tuition regulation, student assistance, targeted funding, accountability mechanisms and digital and experiential learning opportunities.

Ontario’s science and research sector fuels the province’s economic growth and will be a critical part of growing the province’s economy after the impacts of COVID‑19. The ministry funds world-class research in Ontario universities, colleges and academic hospitals. Ontario’s competitive research funding programs and support for research institutes drive commercialization, innovation and help attract and retain world-class talent. The ministry’s focus on the Intellectual Property (IP) Action plan prioritizes the generation, protection, management and commercialization of IP in the postsecondary and innovation sectors to maximize the value of Ontario-grown research and innovation.

Supporting postsecondary education, research and innovation will help the province compete and thrive in the global economy and are more important than ever as drivers of protecting people’s health and the economy.

COVID‑19 response

Since the start of the pandemic, the ministry took action to protect the health and safety of Ontario’s students, faculty and staff at all of the province’s postsecondary institutions. From the early onset of COVID‑19, the ministry consulted with postsecondary partners to support students’ academic success and to identify a path forward. Some of the ways the ministry supported students and postsecondary institutions included:

• provided $106.4 million in March 2021 for publicly-assisted colleges and universities to help address the financial impacts of COVID‑19
• invested approximately $35 million in mental health supports and services for postsecondary students at publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. This funding is allocated under the ministry’s Mental Health Services Grant, Mental Health Worker Grant, Indigenous Institutes Mental Health Grant, and will for the first time include the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University and Université de l’Ontario français (UOF).
• provided private career colleges with flexibility in meeting administrative requirements and temporarily moving in-class learning online to continue operations

The ministry has continued to engage with sector stakeholders and partners to gain input on how Ontario can remain a global leader in postsecondary education as the province continues to recover from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

A key area of innovation and transformation for the postsecondary sector is virtual learning. That is why the government is building on its initial $50 million investment by committing an additional $21.4 million over two years (2021–22 and 2022–23) to support the ongoing implementation of the Virtual Learning Strategy, including:

• a second call for proposals by eCampusOntario to build on the initial investments made to expand the capacity and quality of virtual learning in Ontario’s postsecondary education sector
• the creation of laptop and internet loaner programs through Contact North | Nord to support students who do not have access to these resources at home
• enhancements to the infrastructure at Contact North | Nord online learning centres to make it easier for students and postsecondary institutions to access their services

To support students to continue their learning during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the ministry made significant updates to the policies and processes for students receiving OSAP support while attending private postsecondary institutions for the 2021–22 academic year. These policies were made permanent, to enable broader access to virtual learning at OSAP-approved private institutions. The shift to virtual learning has ensured stability for both institutions and their students.

The ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) to ensure the postsecondary sector has up-to-date guidance and advice needed to support a safe return to in-person learning:

• The ministry issued the Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021 to the sector on August 3, 2021, to provide guidance to institutions on reopening their campuses.
• On August 17, 2021, the Ontario government announced it would make COVID‑19 vaccination policies mandatory for postsecondary education (PSE) institutions. Per the instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on August 30, 2021, and updated on October 5, 2021, all postsecondary education institutions, with the exception of Indigenous Institutes, were required to have COVID‑19 vaccination policies in place. On March 1, 2022, the instructions issued by the OCMOH which made COVID‑19 vaccination policies mandatory in postsecondary education institutions were revoked. While these policies are no longer required, PSE institutions have the discretion to maintain vaccination policies on their campuses.
• Amendments were also made to O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and the Roadmap Exit Step, which, effective September 7, 2021, removed physical distancing requirements and capacity limits for indoor instructional spaces at all PSE institutions, with the exception to Indigenous Institutes that did not have a COVID‑19 vaccination policy.

Ministry programs

Ontario’s postsecondary education and research sectors play a crucial role in making the province the economic engine of Canada with a highly educated workforce, a knowledge-intensive economy and world-class postsecondary education institutions.

Ontario’s economic recovery and future prosperity is dependent on a workforce that can adapt and respond to an evolving labour market. People need to be able to quickly gain the skills and qualifications they need to get good jobs.

Supporting research in Ontario is foundational to commercialization, innovation and to attracting and retaining world-class talent. It also helps create highly skilled jobs and boosts global competitiveness for Ontario’s companies and research institutions.

By supporting research and innovation, Ontario can compete and thrive in the global economy making these sectors more important than ever in Ontario’s economic growth.

Helping students succeed

Extending tuition freeze

The Ontario government is extending the current tuition freeze for colleges and universities by an additional year, through 2022–2023, providing financial relief and predictability for students and families seeking access to affordable postsecondary education.

The one-year extended tuition freeze for Ontario residents builds on Ontario’s historic 10 per cent reduction in tuition for the 2019–20 academic year, and the subsequent two-year freeze from 2020–22. These reductions represent the first of their kind in Ontario’s history. The government’s action to reduce and freeze tuition has provided students with tuition relief of about $450 million annually when compared to tuition costs in 2018–19.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP continues to provide financial assistance to qualified students in postsecondary studies who need it most, including grant, loan, bursary, scholarship and other aid programs. Ontario has also expanded OSAP to eligible students enrolled in over 1,600 ministry-approved, quality-assured micro-credentials offered by postsecondary institutions in Ontario.

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities experience greater challenges in successfully completing postsecondary programs than students without disabilities. Funding aims to reduce barriers and help students with disabilities succeed, improving student outcomes by lowering attrition rates and raising completion/graduation rates of a vulnerable population.

Increased rates of graduation among students with disabilities will help these students successfully integrate into the workforce and contribute to the post-pandemic economic recovery.

In March 2022, the Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee (PSESDC) and Technical Sub Committee (TSC) submitted their final recommendations to Minister Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility. On April 22, 2022, the recommendations were published on the ontario.ca website. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities will continue to work with partners to make a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities in postsecondary education in Ontario and is working with the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility to determine next steps.

Better supports for victims of sexual violence

On September 16, 2021, the Ontario government moved forward with regulatory amendments under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act and the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005, to help create a safer environment for students attending all publicly-assisted colleges and universities, as well as private career colleges.

These changes, which came into effect on March 1, 2022, require institutions to update their sexual violence and harassment policies to shield students from irrelevant questions during sexual violence investigations at institutions and ensure that they can safely bring forward complaints without fear of disciplinary action.

Supports for students affected by the conflict in Ukraine

In response to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, on April 6, 2022, the province announced a $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship to support students attending Ontario’s publicly-assisted colleges and universities. Each $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to individual students through their college or university based on merit and financial need in the 2022–23 academic year.

Support for the health care workforce

The COVID‑19 pandemic has highlighted how vital health care professionals are to the health and long-term care of people in Ontario. Now more than ever, we must build up Ontario’s health care workforce to strengthen the health care system and ensure Ontarians have access to the high-quality care they need and deserve.

The ministry is taking significant steps to bolster and support the health care workforce in Ontario, including:

• supporting the Ministry of Health to strengthen the nursing workforce by adding over 5,000 new and upskilled registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) as well as 8,000 personal support workers (PSWs) to critical areas of the health care system through an investment of $342 million
• re-launching a $54.7 million financial support program for up to 4,000 new students at private career colleges in Ontario, which will help address the shortage of PSWs in the province
• increasing enrolment in nursing and personal support worker programs at six Indigenous Institutes by investing $34 million over four years. Funding will support Indigenous Institutes to provide culturally responsive education and training pathways for learners to prepare for careers as RNs, RPNs or PSWs. The investment will help participating Indigenous Institutes expand existing programs or create new ones to support the training of approximately 340 RPNs, 60 RNs and 400 PSWs over four years.

Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

In March 2022, the Ontario government announced $142 million to encourage students to “Learn and Stay” in underserved communities. The initiative will start with $81 million over the next two years to expand the Community Commitment Program for Nurses to allow for up to 1,500 nurse graduates each year to receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for committing to practice in an underserved community.

Starting in Spring 2023, applications for a new Ontario Learn and Stay Grant will open for up to 2,500 eligible students each year who enroll in eligible programs in priority communities and commit to stay and work in an underserved community after graduating. Students will be able to apply online for the grant to be eligible to receive full upfront funding for tuition, books and other direct educational costs.

Standalone nursing

Ontario’s model of nursing degree education now includes standalone Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered at publicly-assisted universities and colleges, in addition to collaborative university-college partnership programs.

Maintaining excellence in nursing education continues to be a priority for Ontario, while also expanding choice for students and providing greater autonomy to institutions. The ministry continues to work with postsecondary education partners to provide students with the education and skills they need for rewarding careers that fuel a responsive and high-skilled labour market.

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities works closely with the Ministry of Health to support the delivery of nursing degree education by Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.

Clinical education expansion

Starting in 2022, the government is investing $124.2 million over three years ($41.4 million annually) to support the clinical education component in nursing education programs. This investment will enable publicly-assisted colleges and universities to expand laboratory capacity supports and hands-on learning for students providing opportunities for learners to demonstrate their knowledge in practical settings.

Medical schools

Announced in March 2022, the Ontario government is significantly expanding medical school education in Ontario, adding 160 undergraduate seats and 295 postgraduate positions over the next five years. This expansion will support all six medical schools across Ontario, including the University of Toronto’s new Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, the Queen’s-Lakeridge Health Campus, NOSM University, Western University, McMaster University and the University of Ottawa. Medical seats will also be allotted to the new Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) School of Medicine in Brampton when it becomes operational.

The expansion aims to increase access to family and specialty physicians and other health care professionals in every corner of the province.

NOSM University is critical to ensuring the availability of human health resources in northern Ontario. Establishing NOSM University as an independent, degree-granting institution demonstrates the Ontario government’s commitment to postsecondary education in the North and recognizes the important role the institution plays in providing students access to medical training.

Strengthening postsecondary education

Virtual learning

Ontario has undergone an unprecedented shift in the postsecondary sector in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic that has seen virtual learning become essential for delivering services and ensuring learning continuity.

The impacts of COVID‑19 demonstrated that virtual learning is now essential to deliver education, and Ontario is positioning itself as a global leader by investing in virtual learning to increase capacity and expand virtual postsecondary education supports.

The government has now committed over $70 million (2020–23) to support Ontario’s inaugural Virtual Learning Strategy. The strategy, informed by consultations with the postsecondary sector, emphasizes the importance of accessible and sustainable growth in virtual learning, supports Ontario’s efforts to grow its digital footprint and builds the skilled workforce needed to support Ontario’s economy as it recovers from the effects of COVID‑19.

The Virtual Learning Strategy builds on and leverages Ontario’s existing digital learning organizations — Contact North | Nord and eCampusOntario — which improve access and drive innovation in virtual teaching and learning.

Virtual learning can improve access to learning opportunities, in both French and English, through anytime, anywhere learning, providing all Ontarians a fair chance to compete in the labour market.

Micro-credentials

Ontario is expanding training partnerships with employers and industry and continues to focus on a Micro-credentials Strategy that will be flexible, train people faster and rapidly meet labour market needs.

Ontario’s first Micro-credentials Strategy, announced in Fall 2020, will help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.

In addition to dedicated funding for the strategy, funding to colleges and universities to purchase and renew modern, state-of-the art equipment will support them in delivering relevant, high-quality hands-on education to ensure graduates meet the needs of Ontario’s labour markets, including through increased access to micro-credentials.

To date, Ontario has funded three initiatives to support the development of micro-credentials that respond to regional labour market needs and strengthen partnerships between postsecondary education institutions and training providers and employers in Ontario. These include RapidSkills, pilots funded through eCampusOntario and the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund.

On December 15, 2021, the ministry announced that it is supporting the development of up to 250 new rapid training programs that will be available for enrolment in 2022. These programs were selected from the call for proposals for the $15 million Challenge Fund. This is significant progress on the province’s commitment to create industry-relevant micro-credentials at colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes and private career colleges.

To support growth in short-duration training opportunities that support the job-readiness of Ontarians, the province has worked with eCampusOntario to develop a centralized online portal for micro-credentials. The portal, launched December 15, 2021, currently lists OSAP-eligible micro-credentials offerings from publicly-assisted colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes and private institutions. Over 1,600 micro-credentials offered by Ontario’s postsecondary institutions are currently OSAP-eligible.

The ministry has also moved ahead with the development of the Virtual Skills Passport Pilot Project in partnership with the Ontario Digital Service, the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), and eCampusOntario.

The pilot project will support eligible Ontario postsecondary institutions to adopt ARUCC’s MyCreds^TM digital credentialing platform that enables learners to access, control, and share their earned micro-credentials. The pilot will also enable technical enhancements to the platform and fund user research related to digital micro-credentialing.

eSports scholarship

The government is investing $1 million over two years in a scholarship for postsecondary students in eSports and related programs. Video gaming is a rapidly growing industry in the province, that contributed more than $5.5 billion to the Canadian economy in 2021.

The program will be available through eligible publicly-assisted colleges and universities and will offer financial assistance to students enrolled in programs related to the video-gaming industry that may lead to a career in the video-gaming or eSports fields. Students will be awarded scholarships in Fall 2022.

Performance-based funding

The government has introduced a new, historic, ‘made-in-Ontario’ performance-based funding model that links a larger portion of provincial college and university operating funding to student and economic outcomes, making the province a national leader in performance-based funding.

COVID‑19 has created challenges for all sectors, including postsecondary education. To provide stability and predictability to Ontario’s publicly-assisted colleges and universities, the government delayed the activation of performance-based funding for three years (2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23).

Institutions will continue to measure and report annual outcomes as initially planned pre-pandemic, gathering valuable data to inform decision making and help drive future improvements in the postsecondary sector.

Capital funding

In the 2021 Ontario Budget, the government announced an investment in critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewal of $493 million over three years, starting in 2021–22, for Ontario’s universities and colleges.

For the 2021–22 year, the government invested $178 million in capital funding to help colleges and universities ensure that their students, faculty and staff have modern and safe learning environments.

The Ontario government will also invest $90 million over three years, starting in 2021–22, to help colleges and universities renew and purchase modern, state-of-the-art equipment that increases students’ virtual access to postsecondary education programs.

Ontario’s colleges will receive $60 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund. The remaining $30 million will be allocated to the newly established Training Equipment and renewal fund for universities.

For the 2021–22 year, Ontario’s universities received $10 million through the new Training and Equipment Renewal Fund, to help them renew and purchase equipment that supports the delivery of relevant, high-quality hands-on education, including increased access to micro-credentials.

The government’s capital investments will allow institutions to address their deferred maintenance backlog, undertake critical repairs, modernize classrooms, upgrade technology and improve their environmental sustainability, while continuing to deliver a safe experience for students who were welcomed back to campus. A new Capital Grant for Indigenous Institutes is also being introduced starting in 2022–23 to help address capital facilities maintenance and renewal needs to support stand-alone Indigenous Institutes serving Indigenous students.

College degree expansion

Introduced in April 2022 and echoed in Budget 2022, the government is expanding degree granting at publicly-assisted colleges. This includes introducing three-year college degrees in applied areas of study and increasing degree cap limits at colleges to offer greater flexibility to design and deliver programs that will provide more options for students to meet labour market needs.

Colleges will be encouraged to develop programs in areas where there are known workforce shortages, such as highly-skilled technology workers in the health care, digital, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and process automation sectors. To support the growth and transformation of Ontario’s auto sector, the government will also be looking for programs that help to prepare the talent needed to build the car of the future, as well as programs to support the development of workers who will help build the province’s infrastructure, roads and transit.

Research and innovation

Ontario is creating an ecosystem that attracts and retains the world’s best researchers in Ontario and protects the value of their research for the benefit of Ontario. The province’s research programs are important to the advancement of technologies and practices within education and business. That’s why the government is working to make sure that the social and economic opportunities that result from discoveries made in Ontario benefit Ontarians and the Ontario economy.

The government encourages research and the commercialization of discovery in Ontario through:

• supporting Ontario’s research capacity in talent, infrastructure, and operations
• providing funding for basic, applied, and experimental research across disciplines; and
• filling the gaps left by industry and the federal government, while leveraging maximum partner dollars

Research institutes

As a further demonstration of the Ontario government’s commitment to research excellence and commercialization, the ministry provides funding support to several research institutes. These institutes are internationally recognized centres of excellence, each with a unique mandate. Collectively, these organizations conduct research of strategic importance to the province, support research collaborations, focus on building talent, and on commercialization.

On January 14, 2022, the ministry announced an investment of more than $240 million over three years to help advance research at five leading research institutes across the province. This investment includes funding for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Genomics, Clinical Trials Ontario, the Fields Institute, and Compute Ontario.

Intellectual property

Generating, protecting, managing, and commercializing intellectual property (IP) is critical for Ontario to create jobs, grow the province’s innovation ecosystem, and support Ontario’s competitive advantage in the intangibles economy.

The province launched its first Property Action Plan to help strengthen the way Ontario generates, protects, manages, and commercializes intellectual property in the postsecondary education (PSE) and innovation sectors. A key component of this plan is a commitment to create a centralized provincial resource, to address critical gaps in the availability of intellectual property expertise and resources and to build IP capacity.

Intellectual Property Ontario is a new board-governed agency, established on January 4^th, 2022, that will be the go-to resource for intellectual property knowledge, advice, and services to help individuals and organizations capitalize on their intellectual property and succeed in the global economy.

The government established Intellectual Property Ontario to increase access to intellectual property strategy advice, legal expertise, and educational resources across the province. IPON will also play an important role in supporting colleges and universities to maximize the commercial potential of Ontario-based research.

These initiatives will help drive long-term economic growth and ensure that Ontario taxpayers benefit from the Ontario-grown inventions and discoveries that result from publicly funded research and innovation.

2022–23 strategic plan

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities promotes excellence and equity in higher education, life-long learning and research.

Ontario’s postsecondary system is a critical part of the economy, preparing students and job seekers with the high-quality education, skills and opportunities needed to get good jobs, and providing employers with a talented and skilled workforce to help them thrive and prosper.

Supporting research and innovation helps the province compete in the global economy and strengthens its intellectual property driving Ontario’s COVID‑19 recovery and growth.

A plan for the future

Ontario’s plan for the future of higher education and advanced research will:

• focus on meeting the needs of all students and equipping them to succeed in rewarding careers
• expand work-integrated learning through partnerships with employers and industry and continue to focus on a bold Micro-credentials Strategy that will be flexible, train people faster and rapidly meet labour market needs
• build a financially sustainable postsecondary education and research sector that is transparent and accountable
• build virtual learning capacity to set Ontario apart as a leader in the future of online learning and the knowledge economy
• invest in research, collaboration and innovation that will see Ontario expand the development and commercialization of intellectual property and help put Ontario back on the path to prosperity; and
• create an ecosystem that attracts and retains the world’s best researchers in Ontario and protect the value of their research for the benefit of Ontario

Ministry programs (operating and capital expense — voted)

• Post secondary education: 95.3%
• Ministry administration: 0.2%
• Research: 4.5%

Note: Total amount includes statutory appropriations and consolidations. Operating and Capital Assets are not included. Ministry is to provide up to $10.7 million for Virtual Learning.

Highlights of 2021–22 results

• Established the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM) University and Université de Hearst (Hearst) as new, independent universities with degree-granting authority, effective April 1, 2022, acknowledging the critical role these institutions play in providing students with access to medical training and French-language studies in northern Ontario.
• Provided new pathways for nursing education with the launch of several new standalone four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees across the province, including: Canadore College, Cambrian College, Loyalist College, York University, Seneca College, St. Lawrence College, Sault College, Georgian College, Humber College, Nipissing University and Brock University.
• Committed to spending over $200 million to train up to 16,200 personal support workers through publicly-assisted colleges, private career colleges and district school boards.
• Launched Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), a new board-governed agency that will serve as a go-to resource for intellectual property (IP) expertise to help researchers and companies maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the global market.
• Introduced the Commercial Mandate Policy Framework (CMPF) that will help publicly-assisted colleges and universities better commercialize their ideas and products generated through “Ontario made” research.
• Worked with the University of Toronto and Centre for International Governance and Innovation to update two foundational IP courses and make them available to the public for free. These courses will help innovators understand the value of protecting their ideas, ensure knowledge of essential building blocks and help them achieve better commercialization outcomes.
• Worked with eCampusOntario to launch a call for proposals for the development of an advanced curriculum that will address the complex learning needs of users looking to make informed strategic decision-making around IP generation and commercialization.
• In the 2021 Budget announced the government is investing over $500 million over the next 10 years to support additional high‐value research undertaken across Ontario’s universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals.
• Provided over $70.4 million in research funding for 176 projects to help advance ‘Ontario made’ research and innovation at Ontario’s colleges, universities, research institutes and research hospitals through the latest rounds of the Early Researcher Awards program, Ontario Research Fund (ORF)-Research Excellence program, ORF-Small Infrastructure, ORF-College Industry Innovation Fund and ORF-Genomic Applications Partnership Program.
• In the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, the Province announced an investment of $48 million over two years to support ground-breaking research initiatives at the Perimeter Institute, Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Laboratory (SNOLAB) and Advanced Research Computing facilities.
• Invested more than $240 million over three years to help advance research at five leading research institutes across the province. This investment includes funding for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Genomics, Clinical Trials Ontario, the Fields Institute, and Compute Ontario.
• Recognized leading researchers in the province for their contributions in the fields of chemistry, economic science, physics and physiology/medicine with annual John Charles Polanyi Prizes.
• Committed to spending up to $34 million to help create nearly 9,000 paid innovative research internships and upskilling opportunities for postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Supported the development and launch of Ontario’s online micro-credentials portal that provides a comprehensive listing of all OSAP-eligible micro-credentials offerings from the province’s publicly-assisted universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes.
• Supported an accelerated, flexible French-language teacher education program through a partnership with the University of Ottawa that will address the critical shortage of French-language technological education teachers.
• Invested more than $400,000 towards innovative training and hands-on learning opportunities for French-language nursing students in Ottawa so they can continue to receive world-class education during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
• Supported nearly 900 postsecondary student internships to help businesses, start-ups and new entrepreneurial companies grow and protect “Ontario made” innovations, ideas and products.
• Provided $15 million to accelerate the development of up to 250 rapid training programs and help people retrain and upgrade their skills to succeed in their current careers or find new employment through the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund.
• Implemented regulatory amendments that will help create a safer environment for students attending all publicly-assisted colleges and universities, as well as private career colleges, by ensuring victims are not faced with irrelevant questions and will not face repercussions for violating an institution’s drug and alcohol policy at the time sexual violence took place, that may prevent them from reporting sexual violence or harassment.
• Ensured the continuation of important mental health and wellness programs and services at Indigenous Institutes with an additional one-time investment of $700,000 in 2021–22.
• Supported the development of an Indigenous Self-Care in Indigenous Education and Resource Model by providing a one-time investment of $250,000 in 2021–22 to the Indigenous Institutes Consortium.
• Invested $583 million over three years to help colleges and universities provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff, both virtually and on campuses.
• Transformed virtual learning by supporting nearly 400 innovative projects at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes as part of the province’s Virtual Learning Strategy that will provide students with more flexibility and access to high-quality postsecondary education and retraining opportunities.
• Provided more flexible postsecondary education options for learners with $10.7 million in funding to help provide access to and expand the suite of high-quality, market-responsive virtual learning programs and resources with support from Contact North | Nord and eCampusOntario.
• Extended the current one-year tuition freeze for colleges and universities by an additional year, providing more financial relief and predictability for families and students seeking access to affordable postsecondary education.
• Provided financial assistance through OSAP to approximately 420,000 students in 2021–22.
• Invested $3 million over three years in the David C. Onley Initiative to build capacity of postsecondary institutions across Ontario to prepare students with disabilities to transition into the workforce.
• Updated program approval processes for publicly-assisted colleges and universities and made a commitment to more streamlined and transparent approvals.
• Announced that the government will be investing $1 million over two years, in a scholarship for postsecondary students in programs that may lead to a career in video-gaming and/or eSports such as video-gaming, game development and game design.
• Recognized college graduates for contributing to the growth of the province’s economy and improving lives through the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Premier’s Awards for College Graduates.
• Provided Bursary funding to over 800 Indigenous students in 2021–22.

Agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs)

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)

Through research and evaluation, HEQCO assists the Minister in improving all aspects of the postsecondary education sector, including improving the quality of education provided in the sector, access to postsecondary education and accountability of postsecondary educational institutions.

Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB)

Makes recommendations to the Minister on applications for the Minister’s consent to offer degree programs and/or use the term “university” from new and existing private Ontario degree-granting institutions, out-of-province institutions, Ontario colleges and all others not authorized to award degrees by an Ontario statute.

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)

Intellectual Property Ontario provides expert IP advice and access to IP resources to help researchers and companies to maximize the value of IP, strengthen their capacity to grow, compete in the market, and enhance research and commercialization outcomes.

Note: Funding is also provided by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.

Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board (ORFAB)

Reviews research proposals submitted to the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Award program that have been assessed by a Review Panel and makes funding recommendations to the Minister. The board also provides strategic advice to the Minister on the research agenda to keep Ontario competitive and prosperous.

Ministry organization chart

• Minister: Jill Dunlop
  • Parliamentary Assistant: Natalie Pierre
  • Deputy Minister: Shelley Tapp
    • Executive Assistant: Sarah Robb
    • Communication — Director: Arielle Peach (A)
    • Laurentian University Secretariat — Executive Lead: Rakhi Lad (A)
    • Data, Research and Innovation Division — Assistant Deputy Minister: Rachel Simeon
      • Executive Assistant: Isabella Di Cristofaro
      • Information Management and Data  Kayla VanWyck (A)
      • Science and Research — Director: Colleen Hogan (A)
    • Advanced Education Learner Supports Division — Assistant Deputy Minister: Tamara Gilbert
      • Executive Assistant: Alyx Ivany
      • Private Career Colleges — Director: Laura Adams (A)
      • Student Financial Assistance — Director: Travis Coulter
      • Digital Learning Policy — Director: Anna Boyden
    • Postsecondary Education Division — Assistant Deputy Minister: Kelly Shields
      • Executive Assistant: Dejean Lacasse
      • Postsecondary Education Policy — Director: Paddy Buckley
      • Postsecondary Accountability — Director: Ivonne Mellozzi (A)
      • Indigenous Education — Director: Barry McCartan
      • Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board Secretariat — Director: James Brown
      • Postsecondary Finance   Information Management — Director: Sean Benson (A)
    • Corporate Management  Services Division — Assistant Deputy Minister: Konrad Stypka (A)
      • Executive Assistant: Krystyn Sobolewski (A)
      • Ontario Internal Audit Education Audit Team (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Erika Cotter (A)
      • Corporate Finance   Services — Director: Ahmed Jadoon
      • Strategic Human Resources (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Nadine Ramdial
      • Corporate Coordination (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Shirley Carder (A)
      • Legal Services (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Amyn Hadibhai (A)
    • French Language Teaching, Learning  ; Achievement Division (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Assistant Deputy Minister: Denys Giguère
      • Executive Assistant: Sira Kanoute (A)
      • MCU French-Language Priorities — Director: Elizabeth Hoerath
    • Community Services I IT Cluster (Reports to Ministry of Education, Colleges and Universities, Municipal Affairs and Housing, Tourism, Culture and Sport) — Chief Information Officer/ Assistant Deputy Minister: Soussan Tabari
      • Executive Assistant: Marie Dearlove
      • Case & Grant Management Solutions (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Sanaul Haque
      • Strategic Planning and Business Relationship Management (Reports to Ministry of Education and Ministry of Colleges and Universities) — Director: Shulin Dave
      • Data Collection and Decision Support Solution — Director: Carm Scarfo
      • iACCESS Solution — Director: Farshad Mahlooji

Detailed financial information

Table 2: Total Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Historic trend table

Actuals 2019–20 vs. actuals 2020–21

• Decrease in 2020–21 expenses in the postsecondary education sector primarily due to students receiving benefits from federal government programs in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Actuals 2020–21 vs. estimates 2021–22

• Increase in 2021–22 expenses primarily due to capital equipment and renewal funding and the expectation that student financial assistance will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Estimates 2021–22 vs. estimates 2022–23.

• Increase in 2022–23 expenses primarily due to funding for health human resources, research and capital facilities renewal.

Appendix: 2021–22 annual report

2021–22 results

Postsecondary education is a critical part of preparing Ontario students for the future. Ontario’s internationally acclaimed postsecondary sector plays a critical role in creating a pipeline of talented workers, making sure that people get the skills and education they need so they are qualified and ready to fill jobs and address the skills gap.

Supporting research in Ontario is foundational to commercialization and innovation and to attract and retain world-class talent in the province. This activity creates highly skilled jobs and enhances the global competitiveness for Ontario’s companies and research institutions. That is why the government will continue to work with research institutions, research organizations and academic hospitals to ensure an innovative environment that builds capacity and creates jobs, opportunity and growth.

Supporting postsecondary education, research and innovation will help the province compete and thrive in the global economy and are more important than ever as drivers of Ontario’s community renewal and economic recovery from COVID‑19.

Key initiatives and results

In 2021–22, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities delivered on many key government priorities that support driving Ontario’s economic recovery and prosperity.

The postsecondary education and research sectors play a critical role in building a better and brighter future for families, workers and businesses in Ontario.

That is why the Ministry of Colleges and Universities has worked this past year to:

• ensure the strength of the postsecondary sector by building capacity and supporting financial sustainability and accountability to achieve outcomes that benefit students and help build Ontario’s economy
• through innovative and transformational programs and investments, make sure publicly-assisted colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes and private career colleges in Ontario are forward-looking and ready for the future by responding to both student and labour market needs
• support postsecondary student access to and success in postsecondary education through targeted supports including financial aid and mental health services
• protect the health care system through programs that accelerate and expand training for human health care professionals to ensure we build the health care workforce needed to serve the people of Ontario
• take action to protect Ontario’s intellectual property making sure that Ontario made ideas benefit the people of Ontario
• strengthen Ontario’s research sector, supporting discovery and innovation
• support the postsecondary sector in dealing with the impacts of COVID‑19, through guidance, ongoing engagement and policies that protect the safety of students, staff and faculty
• ensure sound financial management of government resources and a commitment to continuous improvement to increase efficiency and effectiveness of programs

Helping students on the path to in-demand jobs

Ontario supports a postsecondary system where every student has a right to learn and develop in an environment that is accessible and inclusive.

Current and future students will play a critical role in Ontario’s economic recovery from COVID‑19, and the government will continue to look for ways to reduce the barriers that exist for students to participate fully in the education and training they need to prepare for their careers.

Nursing education

In 2020, the Ontario government introduced a new pathway for nursing degree education, offering more choices for students

Ontario’s model of nursing degree education now includes stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered at publicly-assisted universities and colleges, in addition to collaborative university-college partnership programs.

Maintaining excellence in nursing education continues to be a priority for Ontario, while also expanding choice for students and providing greater autonomy to institutions.

The ministry continues to work with postsecondary partners to provide students with the education and skills they need for rewarding careers that fuel a responsive and high-skilled labour market.

Funding for personal support worker training

The government knows the important role PSWs play in Ontario’s healthcare system. In 2021, the government invested over $200 million to train up to 16,200 PSWs in the health and long-term care sectors, including:

• funding of up to $107 million under the Canada-Ontario Workforce Development Agreement to offer an Accelerated PSWs Training Program, in collaboration with Colleges Ontario, supporting the training of up to 8,200 PSWs at Ontario’s 24 publicly-assisted colleges
• funding of up to $86 million to train up to 8,000 PSWs through private career colleges and district school boards. The private career college program was renewed for Summer 2022 targeting to bring an additional 4,000 students into PSW training.

In March 2022, the government also announced:

• an investment of $34 million over four years to increase enrolment in nursing and personal support worker programs at six Indigenous Institutes. Funding will directly support the development of new programs or expansion of existing programs, as well as student subsidies for those enrolled in nursing or PSW programs at their Indigenous Institute.
• up to $54.7 million to train up to 4,000 additional PSWs through private career colleges

The government continues to work closely with the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care, and postsecondary institutions to ensure that PSWs receive the skills and education needed for a high-quality PSW workforce in Ontario.

Making postsecondary education accessible and affordable

Freezing tuition

The government is committed to ensuring that all qualified Ontario students have affordable access to high-quality postsecondary education.

Reducing tuition and increasing the affordability of college and university is part of the government’s plan to help people get the training they need to get good-paying jobs.

For the 2021–22 academic year, tuition fees remained frozen at the 2019–20 levels for Ontario residents.

Ontario Student Assistance Program

The program demonstrated consistent excellence in OSAP delivery, providing financial aid to approximately 420,000 students in 2021–22 and approximately 200,000 students accessing repayment supports.

The postsecondary options that OSAP supports have also expanded. Students in eligible, independently delivered programs at Indigenous Institutes were eligible to apply for OSAP for the first time in the 2020–21 academic year, and students can also now apply for OSAP for over 1,600 eligible micro-credentials programs at both public and private institutions.

Indigenous learning

Indigenous Institutes

Indigenous Institutes are a vital pillar of Ontario’s world-class postsecondary education system. Ontario supports a postsecondary system that is accessible, respectful and inclusive for Indigenous learners.

The ministry also supports the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council, which is recognized under the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017 and has key roles under the Act, in particular quality assurance and student protection for the pillar.

In 2021–22, Ontario invested $24.8 million in the Indigenous Institutes Operating Grant to support the nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario that provide access for nearly 1,400 Indigenous learners who might otherwise not participate in postsecondary education and training, particularly in northern and remote locations.

Ontario also invested $1.1 million in the First Nations Technical Institute’s First Peoples’ Aviation Technology – Flight Program, which is the only Indigenous aviation postsecondary program in Canada.

Indigenous Student Bursary

The ministry continued to provide supports for Indigenous students in financial need, through the $1.5 million Indigenous Student Bursary grant to colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes.

Through this Bursary, $1.5 million is disbursed to Indigenous learners each year:

• $710,200 to universities
• $660,300 to colleges
• $129,500 to Indigenous Institutes

Indigenous Student Success Fund

The Indigenous Student Success Fund (ISSF) continues to provide $18.2 million in funding annually to colleges and universities. This funding assists institutions in developing and delivering programs and services for Indigenous students, reducing barriers that prevent Indigenous people from accessing postsecondary institutions and increasing Indigenous community involvement in institutional governance and program development.

While college and university operating budgets provide additional support for the cost of Indigenous education, services and programs through general operating and tuition revenues, the ISSF provides a stable core source of funding for key Indigenous supports.

French-language education

The government provides approximately $78 million to support over 30,000 PSE students enrolled in French-language and bilingual programs in Ontario.

The Université de l’Ontario français, Ontario’s first French-language university that is governed by — and for — Francophones, opened in September 2021, when it welcomed its first cohort of students at a new Toronto campus.

Also, legislation that came into force on April 1, 2022, makes l’Université de Hearst a second university governed by — and for — Francophones.

Students with disabilities

The government provides financial support to publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes so they can ensure that all students have the tools and resources to achieve their full potential.

In 2021–22, the government provided approximately $72.5 million to assist universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes in meeting their legal requirements to provide academic accommodations and services to students with disabilities.

Healthy campuses

Supporting mental health

Mental health and addictions support is a priority for the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The ministry is a partner in the multi-year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, Roadmap to Wellness, launched on March 3, 2020 and led by the Ministry of Health.

In 2021–22, Ministry of Colleges and Universities invested approximately $35 million in mental health funding to support the goals of the Strategy, including $8.7 million announced in the 2021 Fall Economic Statement (FES). This included one-time funding for the Indigenous Institutes and the Indigenous Institutes Consortium as part of the government’s investment into Indigenous-focused mental health, addictions and trauma supports to directly support community needs.

The investments helped bolster mental health, wellness and trauma-specific supports at institutions supporting a range of pre-existing initiatives, including the Mental Health Services Grant, Mental Health Worker Grant, Indigenous Institutes Mental Health Grant, and for the first-time provided allocations for l’Université de l’Ontario français and NOSM University.

Leader in online education

Virtual learning

Ontario has undergone an unprecedented shift in the postsecondary sector in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic that has seen virtual learning become essential for delivering services and ensuring learning continuity.

The impacts of COVID‑19 demonstrated that virtual learning is now essential to deliver education, and Ontario is positioning itself as a global leader by investing in virtual learning to increase capacity and expand virtual postsecondary education supports.

The government has now committed over $70 million (2020–23) to support Ontario’s inaugural Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS). The strategy, informed by consultations with the postsecondary sector, emphasizes the importance of accessible and sustainable growth in virtual learning, supports Ontario’s efforts to grow its digital footprint, and builds the skilled workforce needed to support Ontario’s economy as it recovers from the effects of COVID‑19.

The VLS builds on and leverages Ontario’s existing digital learning organizations, Contact North | Nord (CN) and eCampusOntario (eCO), which improve access and drive innovation in virtual teaching and learning.

Virtual learning can improve access to learning opportunities, in both French and English, through anytime, anywhere learning, providing all Ontarians a fair chance to compete in the labour market.

Hands-on training

Micro-credentials

Ontario’s first Micro-credentials Strategy was announced in Fall 2020, announcing $59.5 million of funding over three years to help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.

In another first for any jurisdiction in Canada, in March 2021, the government announced the launch of OSAP for micro-credentials for ministry-approved, quality assured micro-credentials at publicly-assisted postsecondary institutions in Ontario.

The ministry also launched Ontario’s micro-credentials portal on December 15, 2021, which was developed in partnership with eCampusOntario. The portal lists OSAP-eligible micro-credentials offerings from the province’s publicly-assisted institutions.

In March 2022, the ministry launched its first phase to expanded eligibility for OSAP for micro-credentials to private institutions (including private career colleges). Currently, there are over 1,600 micro-credentials that are OSAP-eligible at both public and private institutions in Ontario.

Experiential / work-integrated learning

Experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities at Ontario’s postsecondary education institutions help give students the experience they need to get in-demand jobs after graduation.

Through partnerships with eCampusOntario and Contact North | Nord — organizations that support the growth and delivery of online learning in Ontario — the government has created opportunities for virtual or technology enhanced experiential learning.

The government is supporting postsecondary student internships to help businesses, start-ups and new entrepreneurial companies grow and protect Ontario made innovations, ideas and products.

Through partnerships with Mitacs – an organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions  – the government has supported the creation of thousands of research internships for undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

This support for hands-on learning, and the efforts of employers, students, and postsecondary education institutions to expand opportunities, has made Ontario a national leader in experiential learning.

Sector sustainability and accountability

Strategic Mandate Agreements and performance-based funding

Through the 2020–25 Strategic Mandate Agreements (SMA3) with Ontario’s colleges and universities, a ‘made-in-Ontario’ performance-based funding model has been designed with key elements from national and international jurisdictions to link a portion of postsecondary operating funding to outcomes.

The government is taking a consultative, measured approach to support the sustainability of the sector. Due to the impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and to support the sustainability of the sector, the government delayed the activation of performance-based funding for three years (2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23).

Institutions will continue to measure and report annual outcomes as initially planned pre-pandemic, gathering valuable data to inform decision making, and help drive future improvements in the postsecondary sector.

Capital renewal programs

In 2021–22, the government provided $144 million in capital funding to Ontario’s colleges and universities as part of the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP), to help address the ongoing need for maintenance, repair, renovation and modernization of existing facilities.

As announced in the 2021 Budget, the ministry will provide support to postsecondary institutions by investing $90 million over three years, starting in 2021–22 to assist with renewing and modernizing state‐of‐the‐art equipment. This includes the new Training Equipment and Renewal Fund of $30 million over the next three years, starting in 2021–22 for universities.

New, proposal-based components for capital renewal programs for colleges and universities leverage private sector partnerships and funding.

Major capacity expansion

In July 2020, the ministry announced an updated Major Capacity Expansion Policy Framework. The updated framework is applicable to all publicly funded postsecondary institutions for major campus expansions, considering both domestic and international students, academic programming tied to local labour market needs, leveraging existing and planned local infrastructure, community partnerships and alignment with government priorities.

Under the updated framework, the ministry announced support for a new Markham Campus for York University opening in Fall 2023 and a new Milton campus for Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College opening in Fall 2024.

Private career colleges

Private career colleges play an important role in Ontario’s postsecondary landscape, providing learners with the knowledge and skills they need to get a job in today’s workplace, including in priority sectors such as health and long-term care.

One of the government’s priorities is reducing the administrative burden for private career colleges and making sure they can continue to deliver this valuable training to students by cutting red tape.

Examples of recent initiatives to cut red tape for the sector include:

• modernizing requirements for online or hybrid learning to give more flexibility to the sector in designing and delivering programs
• streamlining the designation process under the International Student Program (ISP) to make it easier for private career colleges to welcome international students to Ontario

These changes will allow private career colleges to concentrate on providing learners with the skills-focused education needed to enter Ontario’s workforce.

The ministry will continue to work with the sector to identify ways to reduce burden while ensuring strong protection for students.

Private career colleges play a key role in supporting Ontario’s economic recovery by offering short-term, flexible, career-focused training to prospective students to help them enter or re-enter the workforce, attracting international students who will also contribute to the province’s economic recovery.

International students

International students enrich the academic, social and cultural life of the province’s postsecondary institutions and communities. The government recognizes the critical role that international postsecondary education plays in fostering the talent, skills and future prosperity of the province.

International education also increases Ontario’s competitiveness and prosperity, with international students at all levels of education directly contributing approximately $12.3 billion to the provincial economy in 2018 (Canmac Economics Limited for Global Affairs Canada, 2020).

That is why the government works with Ontario’s postsecondary institutions and federal government partners to create conditions that make it easier for everyone to access a high-quality education in the province. This includes administering the federal government’s International Student Program and approving designated learning institutions to admit international students, as well as working with partners to ensure ongoing access to education for international students throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Laurentian University

There has been ongoing work to support the financial sustainability of Laurentian University in response to the unprecedented situation of a PSE institution entering the Companies’ Creditor Arrangers Act (CCAA) process. The ministry’s approach balances the importance of Laurentian to the local economy and PSE in northern Ontario and the responsible use of public funds.

Laurentian University has made progress in restructuring under the CCAA process and the government has taken steps to support Laurentian as the university continues its work toward setting sustainable operations.

Key actions included appointing an expert special advisor, establishing the province as Debtor-in-Possession Lender, instituting board governance changes, instituting more robust and regular reporting requirements and developing legislative changes to support a more viable future for the university.

The CCAA process is ongoing, with more phases and milestones for the institution as it prepares its plan for sustainable operations. The ministry will continue to work with the institution to monitor the process.

The ministry also supported Laurentian students through the launch of the Support Fund for Laurentian Students in Certain Discontinued Programs. In total, over $0.2 million was provided through this fund to support 69 students and seven institutions who administered funding to eligible students.

Public college — private partnership policy review

In December 2021, the ministry announced the launch of a review of its public college – private partnership review, two years after the policy first launched in 2019.

The review will provide an opportunity for the ministry to assess the impact of the Directive on the sector and consider necessary adjustments to ensure it continues to support student success, program quality, college financial health, and a responsible, sustainable approach to growth.

Research and innovation

A thriving research sector is a central pillar of the province’s innovation system. By providing funding for research, the ministry is ensuring that Ontario’s research institutions have the tools they need to engage in world-class research, development and commercialization.

Ontario-funded research projects and research institutes help grow Ontario’s economy by developing talent and fostering discovery. They provide opportunities to train top students and research talent on leading-edge techniques and technologies, creating the in-demand workforce of the knowledge economy. And they support the generation of new knowledge and discovery that form the pipeline of innovations that will drive economic prosperity into the future.

As announced in Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy — 2021 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $500 million over the next 10 years to support additional high‐value research undertaken across Ontario’s universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals.

In 2021–22, over $70.4 million was provided to help advance ’Ontario made’ research and innovation at Ontario’s colleges, universities, research institutes and research hospitals. The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards programs and will support the development of homegrown ideas, products and technologies.

The ministry has invested up to $2 million in funding to enhance collaboration across the research sector.

In the Fall Economic Statement 2021, the province announced an investment of $48 million over two years to support ground-breaking research initiatives at the Perimeter Institute, Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Laboratory (SNOLAB) and Advanced Research Computing facilities

Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Awards

Ontario funds research at Ontario’s colleges, universities and research hospitals through three research funding programs: Ontario Research Fund — Research Excellence, Ontario Research Fund — Research Infrastructure and Early Researcher Awards. These are competitive programs that select projects through a peer review process that demonstrate research excellence and strategic value to the province.

These activities contribute to Ontario’s long-term economic success by:

• supporting Ontario’s research capacity (talent, infrastructure and operations)
• providing funding for basic and applied research across disciplines, with a focus on priority sectors
• filling the gaps left by industry and the federal government, while leveraging maximum partner dollars (institutional, federal, and industry)

Intellectual Property

In 2021–22, the province made significant progress toward the implementation of the Intellectual Property (IP) Action Plan:

Intellectual Property Ontario

The Ontario government is continuing to support the province’s innovators through the launch of its new agency, Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON). The new board-governed agency, established on January 4, 2022, will serve as a go-to resource for Intellectual Property (IP) expertise to help researchers and companies maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the global market.

The IPON Board of Directors was appointed on March 4, 2022. The agency is now focused on establishing agency operational capacity and hiring the management team and staff to prepare the foundation required for the provision of IP services and supports to the province’s research and innovation sectors.

Commercialization Mandate Policy Framework

The ministry launched a Commercialization Mandate Policy Framework for all publicly-assisted colleges and universities that will guide them in adopting and implementing policies and practices that will improve commercialization outcomes. Alongside the launch of new IP supports and services through Intellectual Property Ontario, this Policy Framework will help position Ontario to harness the full value of the intellectual property generated by the postsecondary sector to support researchers and innovators and ensure that the benefits of commercialization remain in Ontario.

IP curriculum

The ministry has also made significant progress in strengthening intellectual property literacy. Two updated foundational online IP courses are available in English and French through the University of Toronto and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. In parallel, the ministry has also worked with eCampusOntario to launch a call for proposals for the development of an advanced IP curriculum designed to meet the complex learning needs for users wanting to sharpen their ability to generate, protect and leverage their IP in a global context.

Ontario Health Data Platform

In order to enlist the creativity and drive of Ontario’s research community to help find new solutions to fight the COVID‑19 pandemic, the government created the Ontario Health Data Platform (OHDP) that will provide researchers with privacy-protected access to linked health data sets within a secure, high-performance user environment.

The ministry is supporting this important initiative by leading the implementation of the IP Policy that will ensure that the people of Ontario, the Ontario health system and the Ontario economy benefit from the discoveries and innovations that are created through access to OHDP data.

Remembrance Scholarship

In memory of the 57 Canadians who perished in the 2020 fatal Ukrainian International Airline crash (Flight PS752) in Iran, the government has renewed the scholarship fund created in their honour for another year.

Thirty-four of the victims were part of Ontario’s postsecondary community, and as such, the fund will disburse additional scholarship funding of $10,000 to 57 students, one in memory of each victim.