The provincial government said Friday The University of Western Ontario will receive $6.1 million in additional operating funding, confirming the university’s portion of a $150-million pledge for higher education as outlined in the 2009 provincial budget.
“This important investment in challenging times will allow Western to remain focused on student success, and on world class research that is changing lives and strengthening our economy,” said Western President Paul Davenport.
London-Fanshawe MPP Khalil Ramal said Western and Fanshawe College, which is to receive more than $3 million, are being supported in response to higher-than-expected enrolment.
In 2008-09, Western received $266.4 million in operating grants from the Ontario government, up 63 per cent from 2002-03, said Ramal.
The Reaching Higher plan, announced in 2005, has provided Ontario universities with predictable funding until the end of the fiscal year 2009-10, although annual amounts had to be confirmed in each new budget. In the 2009 Ontario budget, despite a tough economic climate, the government set aside planned increases in operating funding for 2009-10.
“We are excited by what has been achieved to date and enthusiastic about working with government on the next phase of a long-term operating plan,” said Paul C. Genest, president of the Council of Ontario Universities.