Students are the beneficiaries of Monday's provincial budget announcement that will see more money for matching bursary programs and operating funds to help pay for higher enrolments due to the double cohort class.

McMaster University President Peter George welcomed the provincial government's pledge to commit more money to student assistance, fund new spaces for the double cohort graduates and continue research grant and infrastructure programs like the Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund.

“Access to a university education is critically important to students, their parents and the province's future,” said President George.

“The government has demonstrated that it understands the role universities play and has followed through on its commitment to put students first. The support for the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, increased funding for higher enrolments and renewed support for research are the essential elements to building a stronger university system for Ontario.”

President George said he will update the University community on how the budget will affect McMaster once the specific budget details are known. Last week he told the Board of Governors meeting that the University's budget committee would reconvene to deal with any additional funding that is forthcoming from the province.

To read more about the budget delivered by Finance Minister Janet Ecker, click on Ontario Budget 2002.