The document emphasizes the urgent need for rethinking access to post-secondary education in Ontario amid skill shortages and a changing economy post-COVID-19. It advocates for partnerships between higher education and businesses to ensure future competitiveness and resilience. The author urges immediate investment in education to secure a positive legacy for upcoming generations.

1. e have never needed a rethink more in our lifetimes.
Should we begin to consider universal access to post-
secondary education in Ontario? With skill shortages, a
‘new normal’ set after the Covid-19 Crisis, and the desire
to remain globally competitive–if not now, then when?
When the economy normalizes, will we be at the front of the pack, in the
middle or lagging behind? To be sure, the province and the federal
government must re-evaluate their role in educating people in the midst of
the crisis and in the months and years to follow. The model that has existed
and served us well over the past 75 years is weathering quickly. Our post-
secondary institutions are amongst the best in the world, but to remain a
leader should we not invest in our future now? We should quickly consider
how higher education could partner with employers, business and industry
to maintain our standard of living, innovate and demonstrate our resilience
in the face of challenge? Our response will leave a legacy–one way or
another–for the next generation to follow. Let’s not miss our moment.
Ontario’s Workforce Challenge and Higher Education
Spring 2020
Charlie Mignault, Commissioner, SLCEDC