Last Friday, former Ontario premier Bob Rae issued a discussion paper on the future of Ontario’s postsecondary system. The paper is the first step in a top-to-bottom review of postsecondary education in the province, which Rae was chosen to lead earlier this year.

When finished in January, the report is supposed to give the Ontario government advice on the design and funding of universities, colleges and trade schools within the province. The first stage, now embodied within Rae’s discussion paper, involved a review of past studies and reports.

In the introduction to the paper, Rae wrote that “education is the bedrock of modern society.” However, he also said that “our system of higher education in Ontario is in serious jeopardy.”

“We are on the edge of major change and the level of both public and private support is insufficient to keep Ontario as strong, competitive and socially advanced as we want to be.”

This first discussion paper is meant to raise more questions than it answers, to stimulate discussion in advance of the public consultations that will happen over the next few months. Still, Rae wrote that the evidence so far points to some clear problems:

The financial gridlock faced by post secondary institutions.

The need for greater capacity for collaboration between institutions.

The need for a more flexible tax system, to ensure financial help goes to people who need it most

Student aid is too complicated and provides too little support.

The system must do a better job of providing students with broad international perspectives. This can be accomplished by sending more students abroad, and accepting more international students.

Funding formulas need to be adjusted to address the needs of all types of institutions in all areas. Certain colleges and universities have special needs which must be addressed.

In response, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) launched the public awareness campaign “A Bright Future Depends on Higher Education.” The organization hopes last week’s release of the discussion paper will ignite a dialogue among concerned Ontarians.

“Ontario needs to ensure its long-term prosperity by investing in higher education,” said Alison Forbes, President of OUSA and Vice President of Education for the University Students’ Council at the University of Western Ontario. “OUSA will continue to give voice to the concerns of those who support a post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable and of the highest quality.”

The report officially marks the beginning of the review’s second stage-a consultation period which will involve public meetings throughout Ontario. These assemblies will allow students, professors, parents and educational experts to voice their opinions and participate in making a post secondary system that will benefit everyone.

OUSA also called on the provincial government to increase funding, control tuition fees and fix the student financial aid system.

“We will work with the government and Mr. Rae to ensure the final recommendations will improve the quality of the undergraduate experience and tear down systemic barriers to access,” said Adam Spence, Executive Director of OUSA.

The Rae roadshow comes to Toronto on November 15 in the West end, December 3 in East and North Toronto, and December 8 downtown.

Following these discussions Rae and his seven-member advisory panel will release the review’s final recommendations in January 2005.