The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) says the province’s 2025 budget once again neglects postsecondary institutions at a time of urgent demand and economic uncertainty.
“Ontario universities will continue to receive the least per-student funding in Canada,” said OCUFA President Nigmendra Narain. “This budget fails to recognise the demographic boom and the urgent need for more postsecondary spaces.”
The organisation, which represents over 18,000 faculty and academic staff, says the province is not responding to growing financial pressures caused by a domestic tuition freeze and a cap on international student permits.
A recent report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) estimated that the province will need 225,000 additional funded postsecondary spaces over the next 20 years.
“The financial pressures demand significant provincial investment – a dire need this budget sadly ignores,” said OCUFA Executive Director Jenny Ahn.
OCUFA says the budget’s $207 million in research funding over three years represents a real cut from the $238 million provided last year. Universities will also receive less than a third of a $5 billion infrastructure package, despite their critical research and teaching roles.
The group welcomed new funding for medical students through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant but urged support across all disciplines, including arts and humanities.
“This government continues to ignore the stark reality facing Ontario,” Narain said. “This inaction will set Ontario back years and risks causing irreparable harm to our universities and the communities that rely on them.”
OCUFA is calling for increased and sustained investment to support research, education, and future economic growth.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
