
March 8, 2011 9:30 AM
Ontario is becoming even more competitive now that more students are graduating from high school.
Graduation rates have risen in each of the last six years -- going from 68 per cent in 2003-04 to 81 per cent in 2009-10. That's an increase of 13 percentage points.
The increased graduation rate means about 72,000 more students have graduated than otherwise would have if rates had remained at the 2003-2004 level.
Programs such as Specialist High Skills Majors are one way the government is helping students stay in school and graduate.
Building a well-educated work force that helps Ontario compete in the global economy is part of Ontario's plan to open the door to a bright future for high school graduates.
"From full-day kindergarten to higher graduation rates, we're making sure our students get what they need to help Ontario succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. I want to thank our students, teachers and parents for their achievements and for helping us build a stronger Ontario."
– Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
"Ensuring more students graduate high school is vital to Ontario's economic growth. This is good news and we are definitely heading in the right direction."
– Laura Albanese
MPP York South-Weston