Province supporting the sector with new funding model to equip postsecondary students in Durham Region for rewarding, in-demand careers
News June 10, 2026
DURHAM — The Ontario government is taking decisive action to protect postsecondary students’ access to the education they need to launch successful careers by investing $151,500,000 in Durham College. This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford and Minister Quinn, our government is making critical investments to strengthen postsecondary education,” said Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “This investment will help ensure that students at Durham College have access to high-quality education and the skills they need to succeed in today’s in-demand careers, while supporting continued economic growth across our region.”
This investment will ensure that Durham College can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands for generations to come. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world class education.
“In order to protect our province, it is imperative that we continue to train a strong, highly skilled workforce for Ontario for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through these changes, including $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector, our government is not only ensuring the sustainability of our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, but also preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good-paying, rewarding careers, while continuing to keep education accessible and keep costs down for students and their families.”
Through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.
“Strong local institutions are the foundation of a stronger and more resilient province.” the Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham stated. “This record investment gives Durham College the predictable funding it needs to ensure students can access education, training, and succeed in the careers of tomorrow. By expanding opportunities in high-demand fields, our government is building a stronger workforce, supporting local employers and strengthening our community here in Durham.”
“It is more important than ever that we manage Ontario’s finances responsibly – to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy to secure long-term prosperity,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Postsecondary education is one of Ontario’s most important long-term investments – and this announcement helps ensure that investment remains strong, responsible and sustainable for years to come.”
This historic funding will protect student access to the education they need to land rewarding, in-demand careers that strengthen communities across the province.
QUOTES
“The Ontario government’s investment in Durham College, as part of its broader $6.4 billion commitment to postsecondary education, is a significant step toward ensuring long-term sustainability and student success at Durham College. We are grateful for this investment, which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, industry-aligned programming that prepares our students with the in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce, while supporting the economic growth of Durham Region and Ontario.”
— Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College
Quick Facts
· Since 2024, the government has invested over $2 billion in additional funding for colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, which is on top of the $5 billion Ontario invests in the sector every year.
· Under the new funding model, base per student funding at colleges and universities will increase by 6 per cent for full-time students and 30 per cent for college part-time students.
· The province is making its own administration more efficient by streamlining over 400 transfer payment agreements into 45, five-year Strategic Mandate Agreements with colleges and universities, saving institutions time and money.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins, Office of Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby 905-430-1141 Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
Edward White Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Pickering-Uxbridge 905-509-0336 Peter.bethlenfalvyco@pc.ola.org
Doug Ellis Office of Todd McCarthy, MPP Durham 905-697-1501 douglas.ellis@pc.ola.org