Mr. Speaker, as a former academic, I can attest to the importance of organizations that advocate for the advancement of post-secondary education, promote innovative research, and ensure student success. I am pleased to highlight the Council of Ontario Universities and welcome it to Parliament Hill today.
The work of researchers at Ontario's post-secondary institutions allows government, business, and community leaders to make evidence-based decisions. That is why our government is committed to significant investments that improve education in Canada.
Ontario universities are economic drivers. The largest in the province contributes $15.7 billion to the economy annually. The university experience helps students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in the most demanding of jobs.
Whether it is Western, Algoma, Brock, Guelph, Carleton, Lakehead, Laurentian, McMaster, Nipissing, OCAD, UOIT, Ottawa, Queen's, Ryerson, Toronto, Trent, Waterloo, Laurier, Windsor, York or RMC, Ontario's post-secondary education system is extraordinary and should be celebrated.