The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), representing over 18,000 academic staff, is urging the province’s government to address the ongoing underfunding of its public universities.
Following the Progressive Conservative Government’s re-election for a third term, OCUFA fears that this funding issue will persist.
OCUFA stresses that Ontario ranks lowest in Canada for per-student funding, and this has led to unsustainable solutions like tuition freezes and a growing reliance on international students to fill funding gaps. The organization is advocating for a stable funding model that supports both domestic students and faculty, as the province faces increasing demand for higher education.
According to OCUFA President Nigmendra Narain, the provincial funding model does not reflect the long-term benefits of university education, which contributes to Ontario’s economy through well-paying jobs for graduates. The Conference Board of Canada has found that every $1 spent on universities generates $1.40 in economic activity, highlighting the importance of investment in higher education.
OCUFA is calling for a funding approach that does not financially penalize universities for accepting more domestic students and offers stable jobs for faculty. The organization is committed to continuing discussions with the provincial government to find solutions that ensure Ontario’s universities remain world-class institutions.
For more information, visit OCUFA’s website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
