Survey Says Three Quarters of Ontario Wants Post-secondary To Be a Priority
A new poll indicates that almost 3 out of every 4 Ontarians want higher education to be a higher priority.
The survey was commissioned by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) and the Canadian Federation of Students. It revealed that 74 per cent of Ontarians want more of a focus on post-secondary education from the provincial government.
“These results send a clear message to Premier Dalton McGuinty and his government,” said Dr. AndrĂ© Turcotte, professor at Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication and chief investigator for this study.
Their findings also revealed that respondents are more worried about skyrocketing tuition prices than they’re worried about reducing unemployment, taxes, or crime.
“Ontario voters want the Government of Ontario to continue investing in the quality and affordability of our institutions to ensure an exceptional experience is affordable for every potential student.”
The results were predictably more resounding among university and college-aged voters. Almost 90 per cent of Ontarians between the ages of 18-24 – believe tuition fees are too high.
“There is an apparent contradiction here: the McGuinty Government has invested heavily in universities and colleges, but parents aren’t aware of the results,” said Professor Mark Langer, President of OCUFA.
“I think parents and students of Ontario understand that five-year investment plans just aren’t enough to ensure an affordable, high-quality postsecondary system. We need sustained, long-term investment to achieve best results for students, our economy, and our province as a whole.”
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