Brock University welcomes Monday’s provincial announcement of a three-year financial package for Ontario’s post-secondary education sector.

This announcement will see some support for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, the continuation of capital repairs funding, a small increase to our base operating grant, and funding specifically to support student mental health. Financially at-risk institutions also will be able to apply for additional top-up funding. Full details can be found on the Ontario government’s website.

As the specific details of Monday’s announcement unfold, Brock will look to maximize the impact of this funding. While the University appreciates this investment as an important step in the right direction, our current fiscal deficit far exceeds the additional government support.

The key concerns for institutional sustainability that we have broached over the past months in dialogue with the Brock and Niagara communities continue to apply. As discussed at the recent State of the University forum, getting through this unprecedented financial challenge will require new thinking, new priorities, new structures and, unfortunately, difficult choices. It will also require new opportunities for revenue generation, which can be shared via the Provost’s consultation page. These ideas are being shared with relevant unit leads for consideration, and we thank the community for their creative and helpful suggestions. 

Brock has been actively working with the provincial government for increased support and we will continue to advocate for funding and policies that allow Brock to continue to offer a world class educational experience, continue developing cutting-edge research and support our local economy. Universities are essential to the province’s continued growth and economic success. But as our Board of Trustees Chair Mark Arthur wrote recently in the St. Catharines Standard, Brock’s ability to act as a force for good across Niagara and beyond is in jeopardy after years of financial pressures.

We will continue to work with the provincial government on solutions that address our long-term funding challenges. We remain committed to providing the exceptional education, innovative research and outstanding student experience for which Brock has become known.

Sincerely,

Lesley Rigg
President and Vice-Chancellor

Tim Kenyon
Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic