May 2021
Wellington-Halton Hills Provincial Riding Office
Fergus, Ontario
May 11, 2021
Hon. Ross Romano
Minister of Colleges and Universities
Sent via email: Ross.Romano@ontario.ca
Dear Minister,
I recently read an article on a program initiated by students at McMaster University called “Homework Help for Charity.”
Through this initiative, student volunteers tutor students in grades K-12. Unlike traditional tutoring with a fixed fee for service, families are asked to make a donation of any amount to a charity of their choice. The idea came to be after the founders recognized a need in the face of the pandemic, and the additional challenges that could create for students learning in a different environment.
While this is just one example, our college and university students are incredible innovators, with an interest in giving back to their communities, and making a positive impact on the future of our Province. Post-secondary students create these initiatives with their own resources and grow them through their social networks, but the Province could provide support for these student social enterprises to help support them on campus and expand them across our university and college network.
As we continue to look towards a “new normal” and a strong COVID recovery, our post-secondary students and institutions will play an important role in shaping this future. I know you will be working closely with your cabinet colleagues on the COVID-19 recovery and hope ideas like these will be supported and encouraged by the Government to build a stronger Ontario.
Sincerely
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills