Minister of training, colleges and universities Dianne Cunningham announced yesterday that post-secondary education operating grants to colleges and universities for the 2000-2001 academic year will be almost $2.4 billion, an increase of more than $68 million.

In a press release issued March 14 and posted on the ministry's Web site, Cunningham said that university operating grants will increase by $52 million to almost $1.7 billion. The minister said that $16.5 million of this will be tied to performance based on three indicators: graduation rates, and graduate employment rates after six months and two years.

Cunningham also announced that beginning in the 2000-01 academic year, colleges and universities will be allowed to raise tuition fees for most programs a maximum of two per cent per year for five years.

To find out the full details of this announcement,visit the ministry Web site via the link below.

(Editor's note: Details on the impact of this announcement on McMaster University will be posted once we have more information.)