Ontario’s Small, Northern and Rural Colleges Join Forces to Advance Ontario’s Role as Canada’s Economic Engine
Apr 8, 2025
As Ontario faces the economic impacts of changing U.S.-Canada dynamics, 11 of the province’s small, northern and rural colleges are partnering to launch the Ontario Regional Economic Workforce and Innovation Network (OREWIN). This coalition is focused on advancing regional solutions to protect Ontario, its communities, its workers, and its industries.
OREWIN colleges are pillars of their communities and hubs for industry collaboration, career-ready training, and market-driven innovation. Together, OREWIN colleges are partners in protecting Ontario against economic and industry disruption and will advance Ontario’s tariff response plan. They will leverage their distinct industry, education, and community networks to deliver on Ontario's workforce and infrastructure commitments, including:
- Partnering on the planned $705 million investment to expand STEM and skilled trades training capacity.
- Supplying a highly skilled workforce to deliver on $22 billion of new infrastructure investments.
- Training over one million skilled trades workers through the province’s $2.5 billion investment, including by enhancing and continuing to deliver local apprenticeships.
- Supporting the Ontario Labour Market Survey to ensure local and regional labour markets are understood and reflected.
“Small, northern and rural colleges are already key drivers of Ontario’s economic success, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to driving Ontario’s critical industries forward while helping Ontario workers navigate a changing trade and economic landscape,” said George Burton, OREWIN Chair and Canadore College President.
“Together we can strengthen the industries that drive Ontario’s economy – like forestry, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy – while training skilled labour and supporting local businesses as they explore new production methods, enhance efficiency, and compete in new markets.”
OREWIN colleges are already delivering the specialized training that Ontario’s industries need to adapt to shifting trade relationships, new workforce demands, and evolving economic challenges. With deep regional expertise and strong industry ties, OREWIN members are ready to expand their reach and protect Ontario’s economic future.
About OREWIN
The Ontario Regional Economic & Workforce Innovation Network (OREWIN) harnesses the strengths of its member colleges to advance the economic interests of Ontario’s small, northern and rural college communities – and the whole province.
Member colleges include Cambrian College, Canadore College, Collège Boréal, Collège La Cité, Confederation College, Fleming College, Lambton College, Loyalist College, Northern College, St. Lawrence College, and Sault College.
Colleges Ontario will observe and support OREWIN in bringing a unique focus to Ontario’s small, northern and rural colleges. OREWIN colleges will continue to work collaboratively with Colleges Ontario and all our college partners, while continuing to advance solutions for our local workers, communities, and businesses.