The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the following motion moved by Councillor Duguid and seconded by Councillor Faubert, which was referred to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee by City Council at its meeting held on March 4, 5 and 6, 1998:

"WHEREAS the former City of Scarborough Council decided on September 16, 1997, to commit $1 million to a Scholarship Fund for the University of Toronto at Scarborough College under the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF); and

WHEREAS the former City of Scarborough confirmed this decision on November 25, 1997; and

WHEREAS the $1 million contribution to this Scholarship Fund has been matched by the University of Toronto at Scarborough, and is also to be matched by the provincial government in the same amount; and

WHEREAS the provincial government, represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, appears to be attempting to avoid contributing to the Scholarship Fund as per their obligations under the OSOTF by filing a Notice of Action with the Ontario Court (General Division); and

WHEREAS the current provincial government has exacerbated the need for scholarship funds due to its neglect of post-secondary education in Ontario, where tuition fees have increased by 59.2 percent since 1995, the number of students dependent on OSAP has increased by 59 percent between 1991 and 1997, the post-secondary operating grants have been cut by the provincial government by $400 million, and Ontario now ranks 10th out of 10 provinces in Canada in per capita funding for universities; and

WHEREAS this motion will not involve the expenditure of any funds by the Council of the City of Toronto, as this money has already been approved and expended by the former City of Scarborough;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Toronto Council confirm the decision taken by the former City of Scarborough Council, which invested $1 million in a Scholarship Fund for the University of Toronto at Scarborough;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be advised of this resolution, and that the Province of Ontario be requested to immediately contribute its matching funds to the University of Toronto at Scarborough as per their obligations under the OSOTF program."

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee reports, for the information of Council, having requested the Chief Administrative Officer to report directly to City Council on April 16 and 17, 1998, on whether or not there are any precedent setting issues inherent in adopting these recommendations and provide with his report, the background information which was before the Council of the former City of Scarborough when it made its decision.

Thank you for informing my office that Council will be giving due consideration to supporting our students in the amount of $1 million. As you know, this matter was twice approved in 1997 by the former City of Scarborough and we look forward to Toronto City Council's reaffirmation of this splendid initiative.

Strengthening student financial aid is a central priority for the University of Toronto, and, on behalf of all the members of the University community, I want to thank you for your support in bringing this matter to Council's attention and approval.

Your Council's support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Under the University's Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, the City's support will be matched both by the Province and the University of Toronto (both of which are guaranteed) to produce an overall fund of $3 million designated for the University of Toronto at Scarborough.

We look forward to receiving City Council's formal support. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Kasi Rao in my office at (416) 978-1940.