Doug Ford’s cancellation of university campuses in Milton, Brampton, and Markham will hurt
young people in the GTA and beyond
On Tuesday evening we learned that Doug Ford is turning his back on young people in the
GTA who are counting on being able to access post secondary education.
Milton, Brampton and Markham are among the fastest growing municipalities in the country
and for years they have been working to establish partnerships with Wilfrid Laurier University
and Conestoga College, Ryerson University and Sheridan College and York University and
Seneca College. These campuses were to push forward our competitiveness in Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Ontario’s economy needs all of our young people at their best if we are to compete with the
world—whether in the auto sector, aerospace, or agriculture. These cancellations are
extremely bad news for all of the students and their families who are counting on access to
education. But this decision also puts Ontario’s economic progress at risk.
The most important investment we can make in future prosperity is in our young people. They
are the innovators. They are our international advantage.
Ontario’s highly educated workforce draws industry and commerce to our province.
Doug Ford is choosing to send a message to business and to the world that he does not
value higher education. That he does not stand by commitments made to communities and
youth.
Markham, Brampton and Milton are strong, vital communities but they all know that the
addition of a post secondary campus would allow them to up their game and become even
stronger contributors to Ontario’s economy. These investments would mean hundreds of
millions of dollars in economic growth to these communities.
Ontario has to move forward. Doug Ford is shortchanging Ontario’s young people by taking
us backward.