TORONTO, April 8, 2004 -- York University, in partnership with other Ontario universities, is helping to fund a cooperative radio and print public awareness advertising campaign to drive home the message to the Ontario government that its universities are cash strapped and under funded compared to universities in other provinces.
Ontario has set out some ambitious goals to help ensure our province's continued strength, growth and quality of life. Strong universities are crucial to helping Ontario meet these goals. But with the lowest university funding per student of all Canadian provinces, and 40% lower than that at public universities in the United States, Ontario is unlikely to meet these goals.
Ontario universities, through their ongoing, collective activities, publications and most recently through a public awareness initiative, call attention to some important facts and figures that illustrate why Ontario must invest in its universities for our students, our communities and the very future of our province.
The campaign, which began on March 11, focuses on answering the government's question, "What does the province of Ontario need to do to ensure its continued strength, vitality and quality of life?"
The COU has answered that question with three distinct radio campaigns that illustrate how poorly educated business, arts and healthcare professionals are unable to cope with the demands of their profession. One particularly strong advertisement portrays a surgeon who is unable to decide what to do midway during a surgical procedure. The radio ads will run for three weeks in all communities that are home to an Ontario university.
Complementing the radio spots will be a full-page print ad that will run twice in daily newspapers. It will also be a part of many university publications and alumni magazines. The ads explain five key priorities for universities and end with the message "Ontario cannot continue with the lowest university funding in Canada."
For more information on the campaign and the data behind it, visit the COU web site at www.cou.on.ca
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For further information, please contact:
Nancy White
Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 55603
YU/059/04
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