Ontario leaves us playing the waiting game

By Jennifer Burden

Through its 2008 budget, the Ontario government has recognized the need for skilled workers and health professionals in today's economy. But with no mention of Algonquin's expansion in the budget, we can only hope it will put its money where its mouth is.

From now until 2014, there will be a need for 95,000 construction trades professionals and by 2011 it is estimated there will be a shortage of 78,000 nurses.

Algonquin cannot respond to this worker shortage with the current size of its campus. The college is already turning away one-sixth of the applications it receives due to lack of space. If the provincial government is serious about creating a strong economy, it should recognize that investing in the Algonquin expansion is one of the best ways to guarantee a brighter future.

The college has put together a strong business proposal to expand all three Algonquin campuses in order to meet the growing demand for trade workers and health professionals. The City of Ottawa has already shown their support by donating the land on which the Woodroffe campus will expand and Liberal MPP Jim Watson is a firm supporter of the proposal. High-profile citizens have also rallied and announced support. However, the provincial government doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic because we haven't heard anything from it regarding the plans for expansion.

The college has no other choice but to rely on the McGuinty government for the necessary funding because the federal government, which is outside of the education umbrella, has already denied the college any money for expansion.

The provincial government has earmarked $200 million over three years for new and expanded skills training centres and facilities under the Strategic Skills Training Capital Investments program.

If Algonquin wants any of that money, it must apply for it and hope that its request is granted.

So again, we are left waiting. Will the provincial government step up and do what's best for the future of Ontario by giving Algonquin the money it so desperately needs? We'll hold our breath and keep our fingers crossed.