Ontario Supports Algoma University’s New Virtual Campus

Funding will be used to develop an e-learning platform, create new jobs and promote economic prosperity

November 27, 2020

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Ontario government is investing $3 million to help Algoma University develop an e-learning platform and be one of the first postsecondary institutions in the province to market full online degrees. The move will create 71 new jobs over the next five years and promote economic prosperity in the North.

“Algoma University is blazing a trail with this new e-learning platform and its offering of online degrees,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “In addition to providing convenience for students, this enhanced learning environment will help the university develop a highly skilled workforce and contribute to the growth and prosperity of northern communities.”

The funding will be delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and will help the university build its infrastructure capability and talent pool to offer online degrees in business, economics, computer science, health and environmental sciences.

“The generous funding provided by NOHFC combined with ongoing support from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities will help expand access to quality university education programming for countless students from across Northern Ontario and beyond,” noted Asima Vezina, President and Vice Chancellor of Algoma University. “Ultimately, this initiative will provide high-quality, student-centred university programming opportunities to those living in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities, while simultaneously supporting the economic recovery and work-force development needs required to ensure a brighter future for the region.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate recovery, growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $225 million in 1,492 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $991 million in investment and creating or sustaining 4,298 jobs.

Quick Facts

• Through the Northern Ontario Recovery Program (NORP), Ontario is helping businesses in the north get back on their feet by helping them adjust operations to meet new public health guidelines, protect employees and customers, and build consumer confidence.
• A new and improved NOHFC program will be launched in January 2021, making it easier for more people and businesses to apply and support more projects in rural northern communities.

Related Topics

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Media Contacts

Alex Puddifant
Minister’s Office
alex.puddifant@ontario.ca
647-201-8821

Media Relations
Communications Branch (Northern Development and Mines)
mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca
(705) 507-8026

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