RAE REVIEW ON POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Feb. 3, 2006

From the Ontario Council Pre-Budget Brief:

We commend the government on its review of post secondary education by the Hon. Bob Rae, and we are supportive of the Reaching Higher Program
 
Yet our major concerns for this past year:

• remain the high indebtedness experienced by students from the accumulation of student loans thus limiting access to a post secondary education for many;
• also as noted in the Rae Review, the low level of funding for Ontario universities both from the Ontario government and
• the low level of funding from federal transfers.

Feb. 7, 2005

The Hon. Bob Rae has released his report, “Ontario: A Leader in Learning”.  The report can be found at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/postsec.pdf

Key recommendations call for:

• New legislation that enshrines the commitment that every qualified student in Ontario will find a place in college or university regardless of means.

• A $300 million overhaul of student assistance programs, including new up-front grants for more than 95,000 low-income students, more access to loans that better reflect the actual costs of study for low- and middle-income students, and new loans to help parents contribute to their children's education. Rae calls on the federal government to focus its student assistance on living costs, and follow the province's lead in providing substantial up-front grants and improved loans to meet student need. Rae proposes that, in time, a coordinated system with the federal government would enable graduates to repay their loans at rates tied more directly to their incomes.

• More cooperation and collaboration between all institutions.

• A responsible funding partnership that ensures sustainable revenues for the sector.

• A substantial increase in provincial investment - a total of at least $1.3 billion new base funding to colleges and universities by 2007-08 to include:

• $700 million for quality improvements and innovation to make the student experience more rewarding and successful
• $180 million for expansion of graduate education
• $160 million for new enrolment and outreach, to expand participation in higher education.

A commitment from the federal government to be a reliable and steady partner through transfers to the province for base operating support, and investments in priority areas, such as apprenticeship and graduate education. The provincial and federal governments should build on real opportunities for productive collaboration.

A new Council on Higher Education to help set targets for growth in participation and quality improvements, and report publicly on progress and performance.

Tuition should not increase at all until the student assistance system is reformed and government has made significant new investments. Tuition levels would then be set by institutions, subject to a new provincial regulatory framework that ensures predictability, transparency and affordability for students.

Dec. 1, 2004

CFUW-Windsor submits to the Rae Review on Post Secondary Education.

Nov. 15, 2004

CFUW-Ottawa submits to the Rae Review on Post Secondary Education

Nov. 15, 2004