Ontario Government Funding Over 1,500 More Seats With $38 Million at Trent University to Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers

The Ontario government has invested $38 million to fund 1,504 additional seats at Trent University to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand careers, announced on campus on Monday morning.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) and Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP (left) making one of two funding announcements at Trent University on Monday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, this allocation, which is part of a broader $1.7 billion investment to support a total of 70,000 new seats, supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive economy by continuing to develop a world-class workforce. He added that the high-demand areas receiving additional seats at Trent University include programs in STEM, health and trades, with seats available for student enrollment as early as the fall 2026 academic year.

“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Quinn. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”

This investment is part of the government’s $6.4 billion investment in the postsecondary sector, including $1.7 billion to fund more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand sectors at publicly assisted colleges and universities. This seat expansion is the largest postsecondary seat expansion in more than a decade and aims to help the province stand up to tariffs and economic uncertainty by building a highly skilled workforce to support the most competitive economy in the G7.

The government announced the allocation of the first 30,000 seats in May when it launched a call for proposals for the remaining 40,000 new seats. Colleges and universities worked with their local communities and industries to identify programs that will prepare students for in-demand jobs and meet regional labour market needs. Ontario evaluated proposals based on institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand to ensure the greatest impact on workforce development and economic growth.

The 1,504 newly funded seats at Trent University include:

• 1,081 seats for STEM programs

• 163 seats for education programs

• 126 seats for health programs

• 134 seats in other labour-market driven programs

“Trent University welcomes the Priority Growth Fund announcement and the Ontario government's commitment to expanding access to university education,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The Priority Growth Fund aligns closely with areas of strength and growing momentum at Trent. As a regionally responsive university, we are committed to preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities, workplaces, and Ontario's future economy.”

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Ontario Government Invests $100 Million For Trent University Student Housing and Academic Infrastructure

The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University, announced on campus Monday morning.

(From left to right) Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Alena Thouin, Building Ontario Fund Chief Strategy and Operations Officer. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The spaces are the Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence which provides 1,400 student beds and 134,000 square feet of state-of-the-art academic, social, and administrative space. The project is expected to be completed in August 2029.

“This project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Trent University's history and a significant investment in the future of our students, our University, and our community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

“Protecting Ontario’s future workforce starts with supporting student success inside and outside the classroom,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By expanding academic spaces and student residences at Trent University, our government is ensuring that more students can focus on getting the skills they need to launch rewarding, good-paying careers while continuing to support Trent’s long-term growth and sustainability.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #journalism ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, was thrilled to help get the donation for Trent, saying that it will only have a positive impact on the local economy.

“We know right now that Trent students are spending about $100 million in the economic impact in the greater Peterborough area, with 1,400 more students being able to live on the main campus, that opens up more opportunities then for growth,” he explained. “It means the businsses downtown will have more people who can come and enjoy the things that we have there. It's a great thing for the whole community.”

The $100 million investment will be repaid after the residences are occupied and generating revenue, then reinvested into other projects across six priority areas including affordable housing, energy, transportation, long-term care, municipal and community infrastructure and critical minerals.

“Students come to Peterborough to learn, build connections and begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Smith. “This investment will expand the university’s campus and provide new academic, student and residential spaces that will enhance the student experience and support Trent’s future growth.”

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Trent University Receives Investment of $57.7 Million From Ontario Government Over Four Years

To help launch students’ successful careers by providing access to postsecondary education, the Ontario Government has invested $57.7 million over four years at Trent University.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) during a press conference in March. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Investing in Trent University is a direct investment in the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” he said. “This new funding model is a huge win for our community. It gives Trent the stability it needs to keep delivering top-tier programs in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. For local families, it means our young people can get a world-class education right here in their own backyard, graduate with the skills our local workforce needs, and step straight into good-paying careers without having to look outside our region.”

As stated in a press release, funding for Trent University can help prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in the fall with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour market demands.

The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education. Through this, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in the fall.

“Trent is preparing the highly qualified graduates that become the skilled professionals and leaders Ontario needs. Our students are working alongside leading experts and partners to address challenges across a variety of sectors, including health care, education, business and artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “This funding provides greater stability for long-term planning and helps ensure we continue delivering exceptional teaching, research and student experiences that contribute to healthy and sustainable communities here in Ontario.”

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Mayor Jeff Leal Issues Apology For Quoting a Racial Slur During Lecture at Trent University

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal is apologizing for using a racial slur during a lecture at Trent University.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incident occurred when Leal spoke as a guest lecturer and quoted former United States president Lyndon B. Johnson while he was a congressman in the 1930s.

Leal released the following statement:

During a recent guest lecture at Trent University, I quoted a historical remark attributed to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from his time as a congressman in the 1930s. In doing so, the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful.

I sincerely apologize. Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University, and to my community.

I believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community. I did not contribute to the betterment of my community when I used that quote – when I said those words.

I am committed to listening, learning, and doing better.

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Trent University Creates Largest Endowed Bursary After $2.5 Million Donation; Aid Four Students Annually With Socio-Economic Barriers

After a $2.5 million donation from the Joyce Family Foundation, Trent University has created its largest-ever endowed bursary announced at Bata Library on Friday afternoon.

The Joyce Family Foundation that was created by the co-founder of Tim Hortons, Ronald V. Joyce. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The bursary is available beginning in the 2023-24 school year for four students beginning their studies at Trent University. The bursaries are valued at up to $5,000 annually, are renewable for a maximum of four years and require each successful applicant to work with a mentor in an extracurricular activity throughout their program. Every subsequent year accepts another four students for the bursary.

All students are eligible but preference is given to students coming from Peterborough (City or County), Durham Region and Haliburton County and who face socioeconomic barriers to post-secondary education.

“This gift, which creates our largest fund for student aid, greatly enhances Trent University’s ability to support students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce, the man behind Tim Horton of the renowned Canadian franchise.

“Ron Joyce believed in hard work and the power of education to open doors and help meet potential,” said Maureen O’Neill, Joyce Family Foundation executive director. “This gift is part of the Board’s commitment to Ron Joyce’s legacy and genuine belief in youth to bring their talents and contributions into Canadian society.”

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Trent University United Way Campaign Raises $103,400 For Those in Need

Trent University’s faculty, staff and retirees came together to crush the University’s previous records for both fundraising goal and total funds raised for the annual United Way campaign, raising a whopping $103,400 for those in need locally.

“Each year, I’m blown away by the Trent community’s response to our United Way campaign," says Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement at Trent University, and education sector chair of the United Way cabinet. "Building on the success of last year’s $77,000 record-breaking campaign, we posted a challenge to go even further and raise $80,000 this year."

Julie Davis at far left

Retirees, faculty and staff smashed that $80,000 goal by more than $23,000, capping off a plaidtastic campaign.
 
Launched in October with a kick-off BBQ, Trent’s United Way campaign was supported by many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays. These special events were paired with donations from retirees and employees.

United Way Campaign Chair Neil Morton (Co-Founder of PTBOCanada.com) and his Vice Chair Robert Gauvreau—both Trent alumnus—were on also on hand for the big announcement, where Gauvreau issued a 5k challenge to community and business leaders as part of UW's close campaign to hit their target of $1.85 million.
 
“Trent University’s 2017 campaign achievement is both humbling and awe inspiring," says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way of Peterborough and District. "The leadership and commitment of this organization is a shining example of indefatigable spirit to build community. We congratulate the Trent University community on this accomplishment.”

Robert Gauvreau (middle) announcing his 5k challenge and thanking Trent University

Trent’s campaign committee is made up of Linda Smith, staff co-chair; Dr. Susan Wurtele, faculty co-chair, Kathy Fife, retiree co-chair; and Alison Scholl, campaign coordinator.

Trent University was also well represented on the United Way cabinet: In addition to Julie Davis, recent Trent alumna Dorcas Mensah filled the youth ambassador position, and Marcus Harvey—executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association—served as the cabinet’s Labour representative.
 
Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $1.9 million for the organization.

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