Former federal and provincial ministers are urging Ontario to step in as Algonquin College moves toward closing its Perth campus.
In a joint letter to Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn, John Baird and John Milloy say nearly $10 million in taxpayer funding was invested to make the Perth campus a national centre for heritage trades, not a property to be sold.
They warn plans to divest from the campus by August 2026 break the original intent of the funding and would weaken rural education, skilled trades training and the Lanark County economy.
The ministers are calling on the province to halt any sale and ensure the site remains a public community asset.
Perth resident Toby Shannon has launched a bid to purchase the campus through a proposed not-for-profit college and has pledged up to $10 million to preserve the programs.
The effort has gained support through the Save Our College campaign in the Perth area.
