(THUNDER BAY) – Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training
Network, today reported a 44.3% increase in the number of student registrations in online
programs and courses from Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public universities, and 250
literacy and basic skills and training providers during the Winter 2015 academic semester
as compared to the Winter 2014 semester.

Total student registrations increased from 15,010 in Winter 2014 to 21,654 in
Winter 2015. Contact North | Contact Nord reported growth in student registrations for
courses offered by universities, colleges, literacy and basic skills providers and other training
providers. On an annual basis, the organization supports 40,000 student registrations.
Ontarians continue to use online learning to complete their degrees, diplomas and
certificates, and improve their skills while they remain in their community, and they can
participate in their courses when it is convenient for them as they continue to meet their
work and family responsibilities.

“Ontarians continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a university degree, a college or
high school diploma, or improving their skills or their ability to get a job, and earn a higher
than average salary,” stated Sylvie Lemieux, Coordinator, Recruitment, Training &
Partnerships, Contact North | Contact Nord. “Online learning provides an effective and
flexible way for Ontarians to complete their education and training goals and realize the
benefits.”

“In 2011, 70% of all new jobs required a post-secondary credential and it is predicted that
by 2031, 80% will require a post-secondary credential” noted Lynne Belonoha, Online
Learning Recruitment Officer, at Contact North | Contact Nord’s South Porcupine online
learning centre. “With 1,000 online programs and 18,000 online courses available from our
colleges, universities and literacy and basic skills and training providers through a local
Contact North | Contact Nord online learning centre, Ontarians can get the education and
training they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow right in their community.”

“A study by economists from the University of Montreal and the University of British
Columbia uncovered that Canadians who completed a Bachelor of Arts degree earned 40%
more than someone who completed a high school diploma” stated Christina Patterson,
Online Learning Recruitment Officer, at Contact North | Contact Nord’s Orléans online
learning centre. “With hundreds of post-secondary credentials available through online
learning, Ontarians have a tremendous opportunity to complete their education without
leaving their community and land higher-paying jobs.”

Contact North | Contact Nord partners with Ontario’s 24 public colleges, 22 public
universities, and 250 public literacy and basic skills and training providers to provide local
access to education and training opportunities. Funded by the Government of Ontario
continuously since 1986, Contact North | Contact Nord supports over 4 million Ontario
residents living in 600 small, remote, rural, Aboriginal and Francophone communities to
access post-secondary education and training without having to leave their community.
Visit studyonline.ca or call the Student Information Hotline at 1-877-999-9149 for more
information on available online programs and courses and how to connect with one of the
112 Contact North | Contact Nord online learning centre located in communities across the
province.