Ontario Investing Over $5.2 Million to Expand Teacher Education Program at Brock University

October 6, 2025

Burlington – The Ontario government is investing over $5.2 million to support 360 new teacher education seats at Brock University to strengthen the teaching workforce in Niagara and across Ontario.

The investment is part of $55.8 million in provincial support to expand the teaching workforce across Ontario, training up to 2,600 new teachers by 2027.

“This investment in the teacher education program at Brock University will help protect Ontario by preparing future teachers and their students for academic success,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This support will help ensure schools in Niagara and across Ontario have qualified and ready teachers in every classroom.”

MPP Oosterhoff joined Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, along with Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington, and Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University, today, at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new campus of Brock University at the Robert Bateman Community Centre in Burlington as Minister Quinn announced the expansion of teaching seats.

“Teachers play a vital role in ensuring our children receive a strong start to their education and future careers,” said Minister Quinn,

“Through this investment, our government is protecting our children’s future by expanding teaching capacity and bringing more highly qualified teachers to communities across Ontario.”

The funding will support new teacher education spaces at both the St. Catharines and Burlington campuses of Brock University.

“Teachers play a significant role in our communities, and we are grateful that through the province’s investment in Brock, we will be able to welcome more students into our innovative programs that are readying the next generation of education leaders to have a meaningful impact,” said Dr. Rigg.

Thirteen of Ontario’s publicly funded universities that offer a Bachelor of Education – including Brock University – have received increased funding to expand their teaching programs. Funding is prioritized to expand seats at universities with accelerated programs, French language and technological education, as well as seats in Northern, rural, Indigenous and remote regions to add more teachers to regions that need teachers most.

“We are focused on helping students succeed, and that begins with having qualified and ready teachers in every classroom,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“By expanding teacher training seats in high-demand areas like French language and technology in rural and Northern communities, we are helping schools fill gaps and giving students the support they need for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Through the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government continues to strategically invest in Ontario’s colleges and universities to equip students with the skills that launch them into rewarding jobs and careers that address Ontario’s labour market needs. By increasing the province’s pipeline of highly skilled teachers, Ontario is ensuring children across the province receive the strong start they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives.