Fourth Quarter Investments




The Fourth Quarter Investments included in the 2008 Budget reflect the priorities of the government's five-point economic plan to invest in skills and knowledge, enhance Ontario's competitiveness, strengthen the environment for innovation, invest in infrastructure and form key partnerships to strengthen Ontario's industries.

Before proceeding with any investment, the government assesses proposals as part of planning processes, such as Results-Based Planning and preparation of the Budget.

In the case of Fourth Quarter investments, the government has implemented a process to ensure due diligence has been completed by the Ontario public service.

Recipients of Fourth Quarter Investments must comply with accountability provisions that are consistent with transfer payment directives. This includes report-backs on how funds are used, the opportunity for independent audit and verification and the right to recover funds.

These Fourth Quarter Investments are part of the government's fiscal plan to ensure the achievement of balanced budgets while making investments that help build the economy of the future.

Fourth Quarter Investments at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities include the following:

  • $200 Million University Campus Renewal Fund
    Ontario will invest $200 million in the 18 publicly- funded universities in Ontario, as well as the Ontario College of Art and Design. Funding will go toward; repairs to buildings and equipment, alterations and renovations to existing facilities, campus safety and security improvements, water and energy system improvements and improved accessibility for students with disabilities.

  • $25 million for the Munk School of International Studies
    Funding will help the University of Toronto establish the new Munk School of International Studies. This new school will help increase Ontario's capacity to manage globalization and create new opportunities for Ontario and Ontario students in a global economy.

  • $17 million for New Graduate Research Internship Program
    250 new internship fellowships will be created in 2008, growing to 550 in three years, to place promising graduate students with businesses so that both can benefit from leading edge research.

  • $16 million to enhance Pathways to Education Program
    Funding will expand this successful program that supports at-risk students as they complete high school and go on to a postsecondary education. The program will be expanded with new projects in Ottawa and Kitchener and two new projects in Toronto.

  • $1.5 million to establish a new Chair in Aboriginal and Rural Health
    Funding will help establish a first-in-Canada program to focus on Aboriginal health issues, especially heart disease, and raise health awareness in rural communities. The Chair will be established at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, with campuses at Laurentian University in Sudbury and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.