February 12, 2010

 

Ontario is supporting Brad Martin from Ancaster who will be representing Canada at the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

 

Established in 2006, the province’s Quest for Gold program is helping Ontario’s athletes reach the highest level of international competition by giving them access to high-performance training and competitive opportunities.

The program also provides funding to high-performance coaches in Ontario.

 

The province has committed $10 million to the Quest for Gold program in 2009-2010. Approximately $6.3 million is going directly to more than 1,100 high-performance athletes, including those vying for spots on Canada’s team for the Paralympic Games in March.

 

QUOTES

“We are so proud of Brad Martin. His skill in Snowboarding half pipe has caught the imagination and admiration of Canadians of all ages. He is an inspiration to other amateur athletes who are bound to follow in his footsteps.” Ted McMeekin MPP

 

“The commitment and dedication of our amateur athletes inspires us all. Supporting high-performance athletes is an important part of our government’s plan to build sport in Ontario.  Quest for Gold gives our athletes the opportunity to reach their full potential. Go Brad!”

– Sophia Aggelonitis MPP

 

 

 

QUICK FACTS

 

§ Approximately 85 per cent of eligible Ontario athletes competing in the Vancouver Olympics are Quest for Gold recipients.
 

§ Since 2006, the Quest for Gold program has provided over $42 million to support more than 8,000 high-performance athletes and coaches
.

§ At the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, 131 of the 180 Ontario athletes on Team Canada were Quest for Gold recipients. Twenty-three of these athletes won medals
.

§ Ontario has invested an additional $2.5 million over three years in ‘Own the Podium’, a national program to help Canada’s winter athletes succeed at the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver.

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

Find out more about Ontario’s Quest for Gold program.  

 

Get to know Ontario’s Quest for Gold athletes.

 

Check out the latest on the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver.  

 

CONTACT

 

Ted McMeekin MPP- Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale 905-690-6552

Sophia Aggelonitis MPP - Hamilton Mountain 905-388-9734

 

 

January 25, 2010


Ontario is ensuring that Hamilton area youth will have more opportunities to become the first in their family to attend college, university, or train to become an apprentice.

 

Mohawk College and McMaster University are providing youth with a range of innovative supports to encourage them to pursue postsecondary education or training, and to support first generation students’ success.

 

McMaster is currently providing first generation students with Venture Camp which enables students in grades 3-9 to experience activities and creative opportunities in Engineering & Science or Computers & Technology.   The Learning Enrichment Advance Program (LEAP) offers an advanced program for students in grades 10-12, introducing them to the fundamentals of engineering through lectures, hands-on activities, labs, industry tours and projects.  Students also receive information on post-secondary education opportunities through presentations which are designed to educate and inspire high school students.  Mohawk offers an off-campus FG recruitment and information program in a range of community based organizations across a range of neighbourhoods. Prospective applicants and applicants are also encouraged to participate in on-campus information sessions and open houses. Also, Post-admission supports, career clarification, direction and planning sessions, mentorships and personal counselling as appropriate to support academic success.

 

QUOTES

 

"As Hamilton's economy transforms, the investments we make in institutions like Mohawk College and McMaster University strengthen our city."

-- Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain

 

“Ontario’s economic success depends on our ability to benefit from the  talents of all our citizens. Promoting educational opportunities for youth strengthens Ontario families and will help secure a prosperous future for the province.”

-- Ted McMeekin, MPP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale

 

“Over 4000 Mohawk students are the first in their family to access postsecondary education,” said Mohawk President Rob MacIsaac.  “Thanks to Ontario’s First Generation funding, Mohawk was able to give these students the support and encouragement they needed to succeed. These Mohawk graduates will make a great contribution to a stronger labour force and Ontario’s economic recovery.”

--  Rob McIsaac, President Mohawk College

 

 

 

“As someone who was the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education I understand how university can appear to be an intimidating place for an individual and a family,” said Peter George, president of McMaster University.  “McMaster has always endeavoured to reach out with sensitivity to all students and we have done so by offering programs that make post-secondary education less daunting as well as a financially smart decision. We are delighted that the province sees the value of such programs. An educated workforce boosts innovative ideas that, in turn, improve economies.”

 

 

 

QUICK FACTS

 

§  Mohawk College has received $273,000 and McMaster has received $308,000 to attract and support first generation students in 2009-10.

 

§  The Ontario government has invested more than $32 million to support first generation students since 2007.

 

§  In Canada, youth whose parents have a postsecondary education are 2.4 times more likely to attend college or university.

 

 

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

Learn more about Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.

 

Find out about job prospects in today’s labour market

 

 

 

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP

Hamilton Mountain

416-326-1939

 

Ted McMeekin MPP
Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale

905-690-6552

 

 

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