MPP Arnott welcomes Government’s promise to build new university campus in Milton – Speech
Text of Mr. Arnott’s statement in the Ontario Legislature,
November 2, 2016
The promise of the future in Ontario calls us to pursue excellence in post-secondary education,
leading to good, career-track job opportunities for graduates and a stronger innovation-based
economy for the Province. This goal requires partnership and vision.
That’s why we were so excited to hear the Government’s commitment to build a new university
campus in Halton.
I was glad to be in attendance when the announcement was made last Wednesday in Milton.
Wilfrid Laurier University’s President Max Blouw says: “A university campus will strengthen and
compliment the Town (of Milton’s) vision of a diversified workforce to drive economic prosperity
and meet the evolving needs of Ontario’s economy.”
Region of Halton Chair Gary Carr, who spoke at the announcement, has provided strong,
effective leadership on Regional Council in support of this proposal. Mayors Gord Krantz and
Rick Bonnette have also been vocal advocates, and we thank them as well.
As Members will recall, in recent months I have been publicly urging the Government to approve
Laurier’s proposal for a new Milton campus, to give our students another post-secondary
education option, close to home.
While the Minister announced a call for proposals for this coming January, she did not indicate
any time-frame for when the new campus will be completed and open for students.
We all know this is a long-term project and it won’t be built overnight, but surely Milton residents
and Laurier’s supporters deserve to know the Government’s timetable for completion of the new
campus. I urge the Minister to announce this publicly, and soon.
Let’s work together to build the promise of the future in Ontario.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.