The Government of Ontario 2018 budget, released Wednesday, invests in future opportunities and growth for Ontarians.
University of Guelph president Franco Vaccarino has released the following statement:
I acknowledge the Ontario government for supporting our province’s greatest resource – its people. Through investments in higher education, research and services that promote mental and physical well-being the government is encouraging economic prosperity and improved quality of life for all Ontarians, from children to students to our own faculty and staff.
The provincial government recognized the role of the agri-food sector in building prosperity, including U of G’s critical contribution. The budget mentions the province’s $713-million investment toward our unique agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, intended to further discovery and innovation and to position Ontario as a world leader in agri-food.
The budget also included initiatives that will make higher education more accessible and affordable through such measures as expanded free average tuition for students and adult learners. Investments towards enhancing experiential learning opportunities, especially in emerging fields, dovetail with U of G’s commitment to develop the whole student – the individual, the scholar and the citizen.