Canada's newest university receives legislative approval

Oshawa, Ont. - It's official. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology - the newest university to be created in Canada - is now a legal entity, thanks to passage of Bill 109 by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario today.

"This is indeed a milestone for Durham/Northumberland, the GTA, Ontario and Canada," declared Gary Polonsky, founding president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. "The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is being created to offer exactly what students and employers want: innovative, market-driven programs to create the thinkers, doers and leaders that Canada-and the world-need. On behalf of every person, business and organization that supported the university, I thank Premier Eves, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, our local MPPs and the entire Legislative Assembly of Ontario for creating this remarkable, 21st century university."

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will offer the following undergraduate programs in fall 2003:

• Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Justice Studies (BA);
• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.);
• Bachelor of Education (consecutive) (B.Ed.);
• Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (B.Eng.);
• Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering (B. Eng.);
• Bachelor of Science in Biological Science (B.Sc.);
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN);
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Science (B.Sc.); and
• Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science (B.Sc.).

As the University of Ontario Institute of Technology grows and evolves, more undergraduate programs will be added. In addition, graduate and postgraduate programs, as well as world-class research opportunities, will be developed. The initial projected enrolment of 800 is expected to reach 6,500 students by 2010.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will be built in Oshawa, Ontario, sharing selected facilities and services with Durham College. A beautifully treed, 400-acre property directly north of the current college campus has been designated for expansion.

See backgrounder.

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.