RE: Blue-Ribbon Panel on Financial Sustainability in the Post-Secondary Education Sector Overview - 1. Funding approaches and associated levers that best drive institutional excellence

On behalf of our members and the communities they serve, we thank you for your leadership in providing advice and recommendations to the Minister of Colleges and Universities on matters related to financial sustainability in the publicly-assisted post-secondary education sector. [...] To safeguard Ontario’s future and labour market needs, ensure student access, and support the quality of the province’s universities and colleges, the Minister of Colleges and Universities should support the sector by; removing the domestic student tuition freeze, increasing operating grants, investing in post-secondary institutional research and innovation, supporting international students, and. [...] To continue to pursue market-driven objectives, while meeting the needs of the labour market and the interests of students, the OCC recommends the following: Ontario Chamber of Commerce | 180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2105, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8 (416) 613 9648 | occ.ca | @OntarioCofC • Collaborate with the post-secondary education sector to drive differentiation among institutions through the Strate. [...] 2 • Reinvest in the post-secondary system through increases in operating grants to ensure post-secondary institutions have the financial maneuverability to respond to the needs of their students and communities. [...] The Ministry of Colleges and Universities has a vital role to play in enhancing the student experience and access, rewarding excellence and financial sustainability, improving labour market alignment, promoting economic growth and prosperity, and keeping education accessible and affordable for lower and middle-income families.