Mr. Speaker, in 1957, the Allanburg Women's Institute asked the Ontario government to establish a university in Niagara, recognizing the immense value that a local university could provide to our youth and community.
Our community's conviction was so deep that members of the CAW Local 199 in Niagara made weekly contributions from their hard-earned paycheques to support the founding of what would become Brock University in 1964. They understood then what we continue to recognize today: that post-secondary institutions are cornerstones of building communities, economic growth and supporting the development of a vibrant arts and cultural sector. With over 100,000 graduates, a commitment to industry-driven research and economic programs designed to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's workforce, Brock University continues to fulfill the vision of its early champions.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Brock University, its students, faculty, staff and alumni as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. Congratulations.