Legislation goes forward for Canada's newest university

Oshawa, Ont. - An important step has been taken to formally establish Canada's newest university, which will be located in Oshawa, in a shared campus with Durham College.

On November 27, Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, introduced the Act to Establish the University of Ontario Institute of Technology 2001.

"When I say that I'm delighted that the Ontario government is moving quickly on this vital piece of legislation, I think I speak for all the people of Durham Region and Northumberland County," remarked Gary Polonsky, President of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. "The government obviously recognizes how vital a university is to the people and employers of our region-and the province."

In her address in the Legislative Assembly on November 27, Cunningham stated, "For some time now, the people of Durham have been telling our government that a university, built on the strong foundation of Durham College, is necessary to support their goals. A university would serve as an anchor institution to provide a skilled and trained workforce, along with the necessary research and know-how, needed by the Durham Region to secure its economic future."

When the university was announced in the Ontario budget speech on May 9, 2001, it was referred to as the Ontario Institute of Technology. "Having the word 'university' in the title is critical to helping people recognize instantly that it is a full-fledged university, which is what they want and expect it to be," Polonsky added.

Classes at the new university will begin in September 2003, and it will offer programs in eight startup areas of study: Advanced Manufacturing, Arts, Health Science, Science, Business and Information Technology, Nuclear Technology and Safety, Justice and Community Safety, and Education (majoring in Math, Science and Technology).

Along with research, initial programs will be at the undergraduate level. Longer-range plans for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology include master's, doctoral and post-doctoral programs.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Gary Polonsky
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3101
gary.polonsky@durhamc.on.ca