Ontario Provincial Government Eliminates $42 Million in Research Grants

Earlier this week, The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) criticized Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government for failing to produce the tuition breaks it promised during the elections. Now, the CFS is attacking the province for eliminating the Ontario Research Fund (ORF), effectively cutting $42 million in research grants.

“Graduate students were concerned when the Liberal government eliminated the Ministry of Research and Innovation,” said Sandy Hudson, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario.

“Despite having not consulted with students or faculty, Dalton McGuinty has staged another attack on academic research through these cuts.”

The CFS added that the lack of a real tuition decrease and the elimination of the ORF represents a “double-blow for thousands of graduate students.”

“The loss of this research funding is devastating for the academic community, especially for those who conduct research in the social sciences, arts and humanities,” said Désirée Lamoureux, Chairperson of the Ontario Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students.

“At a time where innovation can help improve Ontario’s economy, government is cutting programs that are meant to boost economic growth.”

The Ontario Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students is made up of more than 50,000 graduate students in Ontario.