Province to provide Loyalist $3.5 million to offset COVID-19 impact

The Ontario government is providing $3.5 million to help Loyalist College address financial impacts of COVID-19.

Bay of Quinte MP Todd Smith said the investment will support the sustainability of postsecondary education in the Bay of Quinte region and help ensure students get skills and education they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.

“Loyalist College is a major employer and economic driver in our community and it has consistently developed skilled workers to meet our region’s needs,” said Smith. “COVID-19 has affected program delivery, while adding new costs for PPE and physical alterations to classrooms, labs, and public space. We recognize that and we’re delivering support to ensure the college is well positioned to continue its important work.”

Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Loyalist College, said the funding will allow the college to purchase additional PPE and sanitation products and to hire cleaning staff and security personnel to enhance campus entry screening procedures. It will also help the college to address student needs.

“Thank you to the Government of Ontario for allocating these generous funds, which will empower us to address students’ financial, technological and food security needs through bursaries, IT supports, and healthy food cupboard contributions,” said Vaughan. “In addition to meeting public health guidelines and keeping our college community safe, Loyalist College faculty and staff have remained singularly focused on supporting student success through hands-on in-class learning, remote and blended program delivery, as well as personalized academic, health, and wellness services.

“As the Bay of Quinte region prepares to emerge from the pandemic, Loyalist College is at the ready – driving economic development through innovative partnerships, academic programs and applied research projects which prepare graduates to anticipate and meet new market needs.”

This funding is part of the Postsecondary Education Support Fund, a provincial investment of $106.5 million for postsecondary institutions who have been the most financially impacted by COVID-19. The money will help to offset pandemic-related costs, including those associated with online learning, personal protective equipment and enhanced cleaning.