Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn was at St. Clair College along with Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie on Oct. 8, 2026, to announce newly funded seats for the college's health care programs.
The Ontario government previously announced a $1.7 billion investment, funding 70,000 additional seats in STEM, health care, education and trades programs at colleges and universities across the province.
The province is investing $44 million of that to fund 2,077 additional seats at St. Clair College, the University of Windsor and Lambton College to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand careers.
"Our province's greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province."
From that funding, St. Clair College will have 108 newly funded seats for health care programs.
"St. Clair College welcomes the Province of Ontario's continued investment in postsecondary education and workforce development," said Michael Silvaggi, President, St. Clair College. "This commitment recognizes the vital role colleges play in preparing students for rewarding careers in the industries that are driving economic growth across our communities."
"At St. Clair College, we work closely with employers, industry partners and community leaders to ensure our programs align with current and emerging labour market needs," President Silvaggi said. "Investments that expand access to education and training in high-demand fields such as health care, STEM, advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades will help strengthen Ontario's talent pipeline and support long-term economic prosperity."
"This is the largest postsecondary seat expansion in more than a decade and is aimed at helping the province stand up to tariffs and economic uncertainty by building a highly skilled workforce to support the most competitive economy in the G7," reads a media release about the investment.
"We appreciate the Province's focus on creating more opportunities for students to gain the skills and credentials needed for success, while helping employers access the highly skilled workforce they require," President Silvaggi said. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the government, industry and our community to build the workforce of tomorrow."
During the visit to St. Clair College, Minister Quinn and Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie were given a tour of the Anthony P. Toldo Centre for Applied Health Sciences, which is home to programs in both the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing.
"Today's investment is a major win for Windsor–Essex," said MPP Dowie. "As the proud home of the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, our community plays a leading role in developing the skilled workforce Ontario needs to grow and compete. These new seats will help more students access world-class education close to home, prepare for in-demand careers, and support the continued growth and prosperity of our region."
Minister Quinn and MPP Dowie also had the chance to interact with students and faculty in the Paramedic program, where students ran a live trauma simulation and provided an interactive lesson for the members of provincial parliament.
"Having Minister Quinn visit our program today was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hands-on intensity of our training," said Prof. Ryan Cloutier of the Paramedic program. "I am incredibly proud of our students for stepping up and doing such a great job."
"Watching them execute a high-pressure trauma simulation in real-time, and then confidently walk the Minister step-by-step through using a bag valve mask, truly highlights the calibre of future paramedics we are developing at St. Clair College," Prof. Cloutier added.
