The Ontario government has invested $44 million to fund 2,077 additional seats at the University of Windsor, Lambton College and St. Clair College to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand careers. 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. The high-demand areas that are receiving additional seats at the University of Windsor, Lambton College and St. Clair College include programs in STEM, health, education, 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 Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "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 historic $6.4 billion investment in the postsecondary sector, which includes $1.7 billion to fund a total of 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 is aimed at helping 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 allocation of the first 30,000 seats was announced in May 2026, at which time a call for proposals was launched 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 1,672 newly funded seats at the University of Windsor include:
- 654 seats for STEM programs
- 549 seats for health programs
- 469 seats for education programs
The 297 newly funded seats at Lambton College include:
- 160 seats for health programs
- 90 seats for STEM programs
- 47 seats for trades programs
The 108 newly funded seats at St. Clair College are all for health programs.
"We are grateful to the Ontario government and Minister Quinn for this investment in the University of Windsor," said Dr. JJ McMurtry, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor. "As Windsor-Essex works through real economic and challenging changes, this support will help us strengthen and expand the programs that prepare students for the careers and opportunities our region will need. We are committed to meeting that need, and grateful to have a government partner investing alongside us."
"Lambton College's close connection to industry has always been one of our greatest strengths," said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. "This investment supports the continued growth of programs that are directly connected to workforce demand and strong career outcomes for students. We appreciate the provincial government's confidence in our ability to work alongside employers to help build the talent pipeline Ontario needs."
"St. Clair College welcomes the Province of Ontario's continued investment in postsecondary education and workforce development," said Michael Silvaggi, President, St. Clair College.
"This commitment recognizes the vital role colleges play in preparing students for rewarding careers in the industries that are driving economic growth across our communities. At St. Clair College, we work closely with employers, industry partners and community leaders to ensure our programs align with current and emerging labour market needs. Investments that expand access to education and training in high-demand fields such as health care, STEM, advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades will help strengthen Ontario's talent pipeline and support long-term economic prosperity. We appreciate the Province's focus on creating more opportunities for students to gain the skills and credentials needed for success, while helping employers access the highly skilled workforce they require. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the government, industry and our community to build the workforce of tomorrow."
This expansion at the University of Windsor, Lambton College and St. Clair College will ensure students in Southwest Ontario can access the education they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers, while ensuring Ontario's world-class institutions can continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- Through the call for proposals, publicly assisted colleges and universities submitted a Priority Growth Plan to the government that reflects their school's strengths, regional economic trends, local labour market needs, and student demand.
- The ministry received over 1,000 letters of support from employers who endorse the expansion of seats across in-demand programs at their local institution.
- Programs in STEM, health care, trades and education produce graduates who have higher rates of employment in related fields, earn higher wages and drive key sectors of the economy.
- Through Budget 2025, Ontario invested nearly a billion dollars into publicly assisted colleges and universities to fund over 100,000 more seats in programs that produce graduates to meet Ontario's labour market demands such as teaching, nursing, STEM, and skilled trades.
- Ontario's new $6.4 billion funding model will raise annual operating funding at colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes to $7 billion, a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in the province's history.
- As part of its $6.4 billion new funding model, Ontario is also investing a historic $57 million into Indigenous Institutes, including $33 million to expand up to 780 seats for in-demand programs.
Quotes
"At the Ontario Chamber, we hear every day from businesses facing skills shortages. Strengthening Ontario's talent pipeline is critical to our competitiveness and today's investment will help ensure employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow."
- Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
"Today's investment is a major win for Windsor-Essex. As the proud home of the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, our community plays a leading role in developing the skilled workforce Ontario needs to grow and compete. These new seats will help more students access world-class education close to home, prepare for in-demand careers, and support the continued growth and prosperity of our region."
- Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh
"This is huge news for students across Southwestern Ontario. This historic investment to expand postsecondary seats in high-demand fields will give more students the opportunity to graduate with the skills and training they need to pursue good-paying careers. By connecting more students with in-demand jobs, we are building a highly skilled workforce, strengthening our local economy, and helping ensure Southwestern Ontario has the talent it needs to grow and stay competitive. This is an important investment in our students, our communities, and our future."
- Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
"As Ontario faces trade disruptions and global uncertainty, we need to build the skilled workforce that will keep our province strong and competitive. By expanding access to training in the skilled trades, STEM, health care and education, we're giving more students a pathway to rewarding, in-demand careers while helping employers find the talent they need to grow, compete and create jobs. Together, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting our communities and protecting Ontario's future."
- Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington
"We're giving more students the opportunity to train for good careers and helping build the skilled workforce our communities need."
- Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex
"For decades, Lambton College has played a vital role in preparing students for careers that support the economic strength of Sarnia-Lambton and Ontario. These 297 new funded seats will create more opportunities for students to gain in-demand skills while strengthening the workforce needed by local businesses and industries. I am proud to see our government continuing to invest in the people, institutions and opportunities that help our region thrive."
- Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton
Additional Resources
- Ontario Investing $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector's Long-Term Success and Sustainability
- Ontario Investing $1.7 Billion to Prepare More Students for In-Demand Careers
- Ontario Investing $57 Million to Support Indigenous Postsecondary Institutes' Long-Term Success and Sustainability
- Learn about colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario
