Western comments on new tuition framework

Western University today acknowledged the decision by Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Brad Duguid, to introduce a new tuition framework for the province’s post-secondary education institutions.

Following discussions with a range of stakeholders, the province’s plan stipulates that, while there may be different tuition increases for professional programs, the overall tuition increases will be limited to 3% in each of the next four years.

Tuition makes up almost half of all revenue that universities receive in Ontario, whose universities currently receive the lowest grant funding in Canada.

“We appreciate Minister Duguid’s attempt to strike a balance between affordability for students with the revenue needs of universities to maintain programs and supports for students,” said Janice Deakin, Western’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Despite the dual fiscal challenges of a reduced tuition cap and previous cuts to operational budgets, Western is determined to protect the quality of its students’ learning experience.”