A way forward with fewer visa students

Government allocations and tuition fees finance our college and universities. These funds are augmented by premium fees from international students choosing to study here. To expand facilities or programs, the funds from international students are one source of revenue.

The leaders at Conestoga College have for many years fostered relationships with countries eager to avail themselves of educational benefits offered by the college. These partnerships do not happen overnight and require dedication and persistence. Those involved should be commended.

Equally impressive is outreach from our two universities. Competitive salaries for staff, innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities are results of financial stability.

So are contributions made to the local economy and to cultural diversity.

Words matter, and it is only right that leaders — whether in education, politics or religion — be reprimanded for inappropriate ones. But it is also true that actions matter, and locally those actions over the years have resulted in a college and two universities that are the envy of other jurisdictions.

But that was yesterday. Recent provincial surveys indicate a grossly inadequate workforce in necessary trades and professions. Financial losses due to anticipated reduction of visa students could be somewhat offset by tying visas to students choosing to study in the fields that this province desperately needs.

Politicians, educators, and employee unions also must stop their squabbling and resolve this crisis. Ontario’s shareholders deserve no less. Veronica Kerr, Kitchener