Province to Add 70,000 New Seats in Health Care, STEM, Skilled Trades and Education Programs
Funding forms part of Ontario’s broader $6.4 billion postsecondary investment strategy
The Ontario government is investing $1.7 billion to create 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand sectors, aiming to strengthen the province’s workforce pipeline and support long-term economic growth amid rising global economic uncertainty.
The announcement was made Wednesday in Oshawa by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. The funding will support expanded enrolment in programs tied to industries facing labour shortages, including health care, science and technology, education and skilled trades.
The investment forms part of Ontario’s broader $6.4 billion postsecondary funding framework, which the province says is designed to improve workforce readiness while increasing institutional operating support across colleges and universities.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario is moving quickly to build a resilient, highly skilled, future-ready workforce to supply our critical industries with the talent pipelines they need to compete on the global stage,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment will prepare tens of thousands of new students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow that strengthen local workforces and protect Ontario’s economy for generations to come.”
The province said it has already committed $975 million since February to support 30,000 additional seats in health care, STEM and education programs. The latest announcement adds another $730 million to fund 40,000 more seats through a new call for proposals directed at publicly assisted colleges and universities.
Under the proposal process, institutions will be required to submit Priority Growth Plans outlining how new seats align with regional labour market demands, local employer needs and student interest. Colleges and universities will also be expected to consult with businesses and community stakeholders before submitting expansion plans to the province.
The first wave of newly funded seats is expected to become available beginning in the Fall 2026 academic term.
Business and Education Leaders Back Workforce Expansion
Business organizations and academic leaders welcomed the investment, describing it as a necessary step to address ongoing labour shortages and improve Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
“Economic growth depends on talent,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “That’s why the Ontario Chamber continues to champion investments like this one, expanding capacity in high-demand fields such as health care, STEM and the skilled trades to build a competitive, future-ready workforce.”
Ontario Tech University President Dr. Stephen Murphy said the investment aligns closely with the institution’s focus on science and technology education.
“Ontario Tech University is uniquely aligned with the province’s goal to build a future-ready workforce. As the province prioritizes STEM investments, Ontario Tech is producing talented STEM graduates equipped to contribute immediately to the highly skilled workforce Ontario needs.”
Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp said the funding would help institutions strengthen industry-focused programming in rapidly evolving sectors.
“The Ontario government’s $1.7 billion investment to expand high-demand postsecondary programs will have a meaningful impact on students, communities and employers across the province. At Durham College, this commitment strengthens our ability to deliver industry-aligned education in critical sectors such as health care, skilled trades, and STEM, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the province to help build a strong, resilient economy for Durham Region and beyond.”
Maureen Adamson, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario, said colleges and polytechnics remain central to workforce development strategies across the province.
“Ontario’s colleges and polytechnics are proud to partner with the government to prepare more students for rewarding careers in the sectors driving our economy and strengthening our communities. Our institutions have a proven track record of delivering career-focused and employer-responsive education. This investment will expand access to high-quality programs in high-demand fields, including health care, skilled trades and STEM.”
Steve Orsini, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, said the additional spaces would support both student access and long-term economic innovation.
“Ontario’s universities welcome the provincial government’s expansion of 40,000 new student spaces, building on the 30,000 spaces announced earlier this year. Together, these investments will help more students access high-demand programs while reinforcing the critical role universities play in developing the highly skilled talent, research capacity and innovation needed to strengthen Ontario’s economy and build the industries of the future.”
Regional Leaders Highlight Economic Impact
Regional political leaders in Durham also emphasized the economic significance of the investment for local communities and employers.
“Today’s transformative investment will allow Durham Region’s businesses, students, industries and academic institutions to escalate Durham’s long-standing commitment to strengthened competitiveness in all facets of local economies. The rapid pace of global change has created new local opportunities. To compete requires the brightest minds backed by the Ministry’s ambitious investment which will drive economic growth and create jobs for years to come,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.
Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham, said the investment would help prepare students for future workforce demands while supporting local employers.
“Durham Region continues to grow and investments like this are critical to ensuring students have access to the education and training they need to succeed in the careers of tomorrow. By expanding opportunities in high-demand fields, our government is helping build a stronger workforce, support local employers and strengthen our communities for the future.”
Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, added that aligning expanded program capacity with workforce needs would strengthen Ontario’s economy over the long term.
“This investment is a tremendous opportunity for our local communities to grow and support the economy for years to come. By expanding access to in-demand programs like health care, skilled trades, education and STEM, we are not only opening more doors for students, but ensuring these new seats reflect real workforce needs.”
Ontario said the $1.7 billion initiative is part of a long-term funding strategy that will increase annual operating support for postsecondary institutions to $7 billion annually, representing a 30 per cent increase and the highest funding level in provincial history.