Though the wins for colleges and institutes are less explicit than we might have hoped, there’s $56 billion worth of opportunity that our sector is ready to take on! As always, the way we advocate isn’t just about speaking up for our members; it’s also about making sure that the federal government understands how colleges and institutes support their own priorities. Here’s how we see it.
- Climate action, reducing greenhouse gases, and low-carbon industries
The ambitious $15-billion Canada Growth Fund will stimulate growth in low-carbon industries and contribute to Canada’s net-zero transition. (It also hints at a willingness to act on a large and intersectional scale).
- The key here is skills training; building a green economy will require workers to learn new skills! The success of the Canada Growth Fund will depend on access to training opportunities like reskilling, upskilling, microcredentials, and work-integrated learning to fill the new jobs that will be created in a green economy.
- College and institute campuses are already leaders in net-zero and LEED-certified facilities, learning environments, and research centres that give students the opportunity to learn and practice their skills in real environments on the leading edge of sustainable design!
- Innovation and investment
The new Canadian Innovation and Investment Agency proposes $1 billion over five years to set up an independent federal agency that will help boost research capacity across the country. (It also hints that the government might be thinking more seriously about innovation).
- Each year, more and more Canadian businesses and community organizations of all sizes benefit from real solutions to real problems through college and institutes applied research!
- Data from our latest survey paints a picture of what college and institute applied research already offers Canada’s innovation ecosystem and what we can still achieve if we think more strategically about investment.
- It’s also important that research is properly protected. We’re excited to see support for post-secondary institutions to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to research security through the Research Support Fund and the Research Security Centre.
- Attracting and retaining international talent
The budget proposes $385.7 million over five years to facilitate the timely and efficient entry of a growing number of visitors, workers, and students. It also recognizes the economic and societal value to Canadian communities that newcomers and international students bring to Canadian communities.
- For growing the economy and addressing labour shortages, international student recruitment is a big deal! Colleges and institutes ensure that those coming to start a new life in Canada have the resources and support they need to realize their aspirations.
- Did you know? Despite a decrease in applicants in 2020, demand for study permits at Canadian colleges and institutes is now up 40% over pre-pandemic numbers! (On top of that, approval rates were also up by 10% in 2021 over 2020 lows).
So, what comes next? We’re keen to get back to our regular advocacy and engage actively with key federal departments and stakeholders in the coming weeks as the announced programs are designed and implemented! Be active in your communities and on social media to promote colleges and institutes as key players and be sure to let us know of visits and meetings that take place.