Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn, visited George Brown Polytechnic's Casa Loma Campus on March 9th to discuss advancing post-secondary education, strengthening STEM and skilled trades pathways, and ensuring students are prepared for in-demand careers.
His visit highlighted the province's focus on hands-on, career-ready training in rapidly growing sectors, including technology, skilled trades, and health sciences.
During the tour, Minister Quinn met with George Brown leaders, faculty, staff, and students, experiencing firsthand how the institution provides applied, industry-connected learning in its engineering and construction labs. This included a demonstration in the millwright lab and activities in the construction lab, offering a close look at the skills students are developing to meet Ontario's workforce needs.
"Minister Quinn's visit underscores the crucial role that polytechnics and colleges play in preparing Ontario's skilled workforce," said George Brown Polytechnic President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "At George Brown, we are dedicated to providing students with real-world, industry-informed learning experiences they need to succeed. Seeing our students and faculty showcase their skills whether in engineering labs or construction workshops strengthens our mission to support Ontario's economic growth with job-ready talent."
Along with Dr. Fearon, Minister Quinn was joined by Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Hassun Malik, and Dean of Applied Sciences, Construction and Engineering Technologies Dr. Adel Esayed, highlighting the collaborative effort to support student success, polytechnic innovation, and STEM education. The engineering labs at our Casa Loma campus are also accessed by several of our partners, including the University of Toronto.
His visit reaffirms George Brown Polytechnic's mission: to equip learners with the practical skills and real-world experience needed to thrive in Ontario's evolving economy and to lead in sectors where skilled talent is urgently needed.
