To close the skills gap, Ontario
must close the funding gap

Even in this difficult economy, many employers have good-paying positions that are unfilled because they can’t  find qualified people.

The skills mismatch – the gap between the skills and credentials held by many people seeking work and the qualifications sought by employers – is hurting Ontario. The Conference Board of Canada says the gap costs Ontario more than $24 billion a year in lost economic opportunity, and $3.7 billion a year in potential tax revenues.

To help close the gap, more people must get access to the career-focused programs at Ontario’s 24 public colleges.

Provincial funding for college education is inadequate. Ontario’s colleges receive the lowest per-student funding in Canada, at amounts that are significantly less than the funding for universities and high schools. Colleges often lack the space to accept more students and struggle to invest in up-to-date equipment and technology.

Recommendation:
Increase funding for the career-focused programs at colleges to help more people find meaningful work.