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April 17, 2024

ImpAct-Climate Challenge: Inspiring Action, Sparking Change

The latest edition of the ImpAct-Climate Challenge has come to a close and students, staff, and faculty across 55 CICan member colleges and institutes now have a deeper understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the actionable steps we can all take towards combating climate change.

Over six weeks, participants explored themes related to GHGs like energy, food, transportation, waste, and Indigenous stewardship and took on a new challenge—from increasing plant-based meals to eliminating single-use plastics—to lead transformative change.

An overwhelming 82% of participants reported learning something new through the weekly educational content. More impressively, 90% felt inspired to incorporate these learnings into their daily routines, committing to sustainable practices that reduce their environmental footprint on campus in their personal lives.

Recognizing Excellence in Sustainability

Several institutions stood out for their exceptional engagement and efforts to mobilize their communities toward sustainability. To celebrate those with the highest levels of participation, we awarded bursaries to support their continued dedication to climate action. These bursaries are intended to honour students on their campuses who have shown outstanding leadership in sustainability initiatives, further empowering them to lead change.

Gold Winners – Each receiving a $3,000 bursary

Large Institution: Bow Valley College
Medium-Large Institution: Confederation College
Medium-Small Institution: Cégep de Jonquiere
Small Institution: Collège d’Alma

Silver Winners – Each receiving a $1,500 bursary

Large Institution: Algonquin College
Medium-Large Institution: Loyalist College
Medium-Small Institution: Collège Lionel-Groulx
Small Institution: Collège Mathieu

In addition to the bursary, these institutions will each receive a trophy created out of 100% recycled plastics designed by talented students at Cégep de Vieux-Montréal’s Atelier Écodesign.

Enhanced Learning and Participation

This edition also introduced enhancements to integrate the challenge into coursework more efficiently. We provided instructors with resources to incorporate the challenge themes into their teaching and improved the way they could track student participation. These adjustments made it easier for the entire college and institute community to engage deeply with the challenge, amplifying our collective impact.

The Path Forward

The impact of this year’s challenge underscores the vital role knowledge and action play in creating a sustainable future. Let’s carry this momentum forward. Together, the college and institute network can make a lasting difference for our planet and future generations.

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April 8, 2024

My “Why?”

What’s on My Mind? With Pari Johnston

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland will be tabling the federal budget next week, with expected investments in housing, early childhood education, healthcare, and the next generation. For CICan, it’s an opportunity to make sure you – our members – are positioned to contribute to the long-term national agenda.

Investing in skills and innovation is critical to Canadians’ future in a rapidly changing world. My vision is one where Canada’s publicly-funded colleges and institutes are recognized as key partners in meeting our country’s biggest public policy challenges – things like providing sustainable and affordable housing, ensuring food security, transitioning to clean energies, driving productivity and industrial transformation, and responding to the growing needs of the care economy.

Thinking about the “why?” of investing in college and institute education and applied research means each challenge becomes an opportunity for us as educators, partners, and innovators to be a bigger part of the solution.

I understand our impact.

This budget season is also an important milestone for me because it marks my first 100 days at CICan and I’ve had a lot to think about since starting this role in December!

I come from a long line of educators; over three generations of family members have been teachers, principals, instructors, and school board superintendents. And, I’ve spent my career advancing the impact of Canada’s research, talent, and innovation ecosystem – first, at Universities Canada and later at Genome Canada. I’m proud to have landed at CICan, working now with Canada’s largest postsecondary network, and continuing a history of impact.

To say these past few months have been a whirlwind is an understatement. Our sector is under major pressure, with declining provincial funding and increasing labour market demands, all in the context of a very public national conversation on sustainable growth in international student numbers and global competition for talent and skills.

So, it’s a pivotal time to be the 8th steward of this important national organization and I’m excited about the opportunity to develop an approach to our work that is intentional, integrated, and impactful, all with an eye to meeting members’ evolving needs and priorities.

Already, I was inspired to see so many of you in Ottawa sharing your visions for greater impact at our National Applied Research Symposium in February. I know you’re looking to CICan to bring our sector together to find shared purpose, to reimagine research programs and investments, and to be bold about what we can accomplish with colleges and institutes centred as core partners in a mission-driven research agenda. Expect more on that.

I hear you.

Lastly, thanks for the incredible welcome. I’ve been on the road connecting with members across the country, and I’m impressed by the individual strengths I’ve seen and amazed at what’s possible when it all comes together.

Each institution has a unique approach that defines its impact at many levels. I’ve toured impressive examples of sustainable design in campus infrastructure and new centres for clean energy and automotive innovation, heard the community-building aspirations of senior leaders, and explored how your institutions integrate arts, technologies, and Indigenous education. I’m excited to continue my tour, to listen, and to learn more to inform and inspire our work here in Ottawa.

When we scale our shared commitments to supporting our communities, making learning accessible, finding practical solutions to partners’ research questions, and tackling urgent workforce challenges at the national level, our impact is unmatched.

That’s my “why?”.

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March 8, 2024

By the Numbers: Exploring Women’s Presence in Canadian Colleges and Institutes

Canada has undoubtedly made significant strides in advancing gender equality, yet the journey towards full parity remains ongoing. Access to and representation in post-secondary education is critical here. Alongside global efforts to empower girls and women, Canadian colleges and institutes are at the forefront of cultivating inclusive learning environments, encouraging women’s entrepreneurship and supporting women in Canada in non-traditional fields.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let’s explore some data to understand our progress and inspire the work yet to be done!

Celebrating a Decades-Long Trend in Female Enrolment and Graduation Rates

In the early 1990s, a significant shift occurred in Canada as women started earning more degrees than men. Since then, female graduation rates in Canadian colleges and institutes have consistently remained above or around half, marking a lasting and positive trend (Statistics Canada, 2022). The most recent data from 2021/22 reveals women represent 55% of college and institute enrolment and nearly 60% of graduates across various disciplines.

So, we achieved total equality? Not quite.

Despite this trend, men continue to dominate the high-paying, sought-after STEM fields, such as mathematics, computer and information sciences, engineering, and related technologies. And, while 34% of Canadians with a STEM degree are women, they only constitute 23% of Canadians working in science and technology roles (Statistics Canada, 2019). This persistent gender gap underscores the need for targeted interventions that bolster women’s participation and success in these critical areas of study and employment.

Empowering Women on Campus

Colleges and institutes have launched various initiatives to address current statistics and advance women’s empowerment on multiple fronts. For example:

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Nova Scotia Community College, Mohawk College, George Brown College and many others, champion programs to enhance female representation in trades and technology vocations. These initiatives provide women with the requisite training and backing to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Seneca College, in partnership with College of the Rockies and NorQuest College, offers a Herizons program that breaks down gender barriers to empower women in their careers by providing women-focused support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to empower women in various aspects of their professional lives.
Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Fanshawe College and Durham College have come together to spearhead initiatives focused on elevating awareness and providing opportunities for women to explore career education, networking, and apprenticeships within the Red Seal skilled trades.
Dawson College has several awards and scholarships to recognize its female students’ outstanding achievements and contributions.
Collège Boréal has created a training program entitled Mining Potential to promote the presence of young people, women and newcomers to Canada in the mining sector.
Bow Valley College’s Centre for Entertainment Arts proudly displays a Wonder Woman statue, acknowledging that more women than men are enrolled in the college’s game development program, and that a statue representing female empowerment, fierceness and determination served as a fitting tribute.
Cambrian College’s Women’s Resource Centre offers its students various services, including seminars and workshops that examine women’s safety, health and wellness, financial and legal issues, substance abuse, and sexuality.

Initiating Change from the Top Down

Beyond enrolment rates, women are increasingly assuming leadership roles within Canadian colleges and institutes, driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and shaping the future of higher education. Approximately 40% of CICan’s member presidents are women. Yet, the question arises: how can we surpass the 50% mark?

Initiatives like CICan’s 50 – 30 Challenge Project are making notable headway. Through our two Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination Centres and five regional hubs, we provide comprehensive resources and tools to empower participants throughout their equity, diversity, and inclusion journeys. At CICan, initiatives like this have contributed to a management team of 68% women, and two consecutive female CEOs, underscoring our steadfast commitment to gender diversity and equitable representation across all decision-making levels.

Thinking Beyond Enrolment Rates

While we celebrate the progress achieved in post-secondary education, it’s imperative to recognize that our journey towards true gender equality is far from complete. Merely focusing on enrolment rates does not provide the full picture. We must also consider attainment rates and dive deeper into the nuanced challenges women face in fields where gender imbalances persist. By prioritizing empowerment, creating equal opportunities and challenging biases and stereotypes, we can shape a more inclusive future for everyone.

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March 7, 2024

Commuting is Community

Did you know that cars and trucks are responsible for approximately 17% of global CO2 emissions? Transportation is an important part of our lives, yet it contributes substantially to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Vehicles powered by fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, emit mostly carbon dioxide (98%) and small amounts of methane and nitrous oxide. Beyond GHGs, they release pollutants causing air, soil, and water contamination, leading to 7 million deaths a year from car-related air pollution.

Changing the way we get around is an important part of embracing an eco-friendly future.

Set your institution up for success!

For colleges and institutes, transportation falls into the category of Scope 3 emissions. That means emissions that are not directly produced by an institution itself, but are instead emitted by activities it is indirectly responsible for – such as commuting to and from campus.

Our new guide Commuting and Campuses: A Guide to Sustainable Transportation Solutions can help reduce Scope 3 emissions on your campus. The guide shares valuable lessons learned from across the sector, resources to start new initiatives, and ideas to inspire others to make a bigger impact.

10 ways to use the guide:

No matter where you are on your sustainable transportation journey, use this guide to encourage your staff and students to travel in more sustainable ways.

Organize a commuter survey. Commuter surveys are a method of gathering information about how students and staff are travelling to and from campus, their reasons for choosing certain modes of transportation, and typical travel times, and gauging levels of interest in shifting to more sustainable modes of transportation.
Optimize your transportation systems. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a strategic plan to make the most of your current set upsetupcouraging people to use more efficient modes of transportation. TDM plans can provide strategies for reducing the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, and improve overall transportation efficiency.
Support bicycle purchasing. One way to encourage a shift in transportation on campuses is financial support for students and staff who would like to purchase a bicycle. This can be in the form of loans, grants, or subsidies.
Start a bike share program. Bike share programs are a great way to make bicycles available for shared use to students and staff on a short-term, as-needed basis.
Invest parking revenues in sustainable transportation incentives. Allocating revenue from things like parking fees can increase available funding for sustainable transportation initiatives.
Open end-of-trip facilities and protected bicycle parking. End-of-trip facilities are amenities provided at the destination point of a cycling trip. They make commuting by bicycle more attractive, convenient, and comfortable by addressing common challenges and concerns cyclists face.
Connect to active transportation infrastructure. Connecting or creating active transportation corridors that connect to your campus can help more students and staff use active modes of transportation.
Minimize trips to and from campus. Providing services on campus or situating the campus in a central location, providing student housing, and offering flexible work and study arrangements can help reduce motor vehicle congestion to and from campus.
Strengthen relations with government. Building a strong working relationship with decision-makers in your local government means having a government partner who knows your transportation needs and goals. They could also help you discover potential funding sources to support initiatives and help your ideas become reality.
Celebrate and create awareness. Creating a fun, supportive, and informed culture around sustainable transportation can encourage more students and staff to get out of their vehicles and try out other modes of transportation.

The guide was developed as part of the ImpAct-Climate program, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

March 4-8 is SDG Week Canada.

SDG Week Canada is a national collaboration to increase awareness and encourage progress towards to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on college, institute, and university campuses.

In that context, use this guide to advance your institutions commitment to SDG 13 Climate Action!

SDG Week Canada is organized by the Sustainability Hub at UBC, SDSN Canada hosted by the University of Waterloo, and Colleges and Institutes Canada.

Your institution can take part by organizing a panel, workshop, or other events on campus. Each event helps create a supportive national environment in which post-secondary institutions work together and across disciplines to advance the SDGs, to better integrate the guiding values of the SDGs across programming, and to build long-term momentum for SDG action across the sector.

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January 31, 2024

Sustainable investment in the public post-secondary sector is the national conversation we should be having, not unsustainable growth in international students

Op-ed published in the Toronto Star on January 31, 2024.

By: Pari Johnston, President & CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada

Canada’s post-secondary sector is facing an unprecedented crisis. Unless you have been living under a rock the past week, you have heard the alarm bells sounding across the country about the rapid-fire rollout of the new international student cap. While the federal government has positioned this as a quick fix for current housing and healthcare challenges, it’s a high-stakes move with far-reaching consequences.

The Immigration Minister himself has called this a “blunt tool.” In fact, it’s far worse. This hasty cap announcement will exacerbate the impact of chronic underinvestment in our publicly supported post-secondary institutions. Provincial spending on post-secondary education has diminished over the last decade. Along with tuition freezes and rising operational costs, publicly funded institutions have come to rely on international student fees to meet training demands and sustain support services for Canadian students.

The Minister’s decision to decrease international student enrollments without adequate notice or consultation has pushed Canada’s post-secondary sector to a tipping point. Never has there been a more urgent need to shift our public policy attention and federal-provincial discussions toward the sustainable funding of Canada’s colleges and universities to drive long-term growth, productivity and innovation in this country.

According to Higher Education Strategy Associates, over the past thirteen years, international student fees have sustained 100 per cent of the increased operating spending by post-secondary institutions. A substantial decline in international student enrollments, particularly in Ontario, where a cap is likely to result in a 50 per cent intake cut, equates to hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars lost.

And this crisis extends beyond finances.

Declining enrollment not only impacts an institute’s financial sustainability but adversely affects the quality and accessibility of education for domestic students, particularly those in rural, remote, and Indigenous and minority language communities. In other words, in the context of chronic underfunding, international students don’t take spots from their domestic peers; they make them by contributing to program viability. Without enough international students, programs – and even entire institutions- may be unable to sustain themselves.

There will also be a domino effect, impacting local economies, businesses, and communities in many parts of the country.

A defining aspect of college and institute education is that curricula are designed with industry to meet business needs. Local businesses, particularly small-to-medium-sized businesses, have long benefited from the economic contributions of international students. Now, they, alongside key industries crucial to Canada’s future, are under threat.

According to Statistics Canada, the current labour shortage for those with a college or institute credential is 198,615 roles, a 65 per cent jump in five years. This shortage extends across various programs with significant international student enrollments, particularly in STEM fields critical for Canada’s economic growth.

In the health care sector, for instance, Statistics Canada reports that 62 per cent of international students training in Canada do so at a college or institute, covering roles such as personal support workers, nurses, and laboratory technicians. This underscores these institutions’ indispensable role in shaping Canada’s future workforce, making the case for sustained public investment even more critical.

Most immediately, we need a commonsense revisit of the cap’s rushed implementation with an end to the current processing moratorium. Over the medium term, the situation requires a long, hard look at public funding for colleges and universities in this country. Federal and provincial governments must engage in a serious dialogue that addresses underlying structural drivers to ensure the viability and vitality of our system.

Failure to do so risks the sector’s sustainability and, thus, the livelihoods of many Canadians and Canada’s economic outlook and social well-being. Colleges and institutes stand ready to partner in this mission-critical public policy conversation and are keen partners in finding solutions.

Let’s end the blunt force trauma of Minister Miller’s self-professed “blunt” tool and focus on the systemic issues that drove this hasty response.

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January 29, 2024

#IDW2024: Showcasing Our Work Around the World

As a network, we’ve been working in international development for a long time, but many Canadians don’t realize the amazing impact our work has had. International Development Week is our opportunity to showcase the unique way colleges and institutes help drive economic and workforce development around the world.

International Development Week (IDW) is Global Affairs Canada’s annual celebration of Canada’s contributions to eradicating poverty and to a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world through international development projects. The theme, #GoForTheGoals, calls on CICan, on our members, and on Canadians to contribute to positive change all over the world. 

During this year’s IDW, February 4 to 10, Global Affairs Canada is asking Canadians and stakeholders to participate in an IDW activity, to organize and promote their own IDW activities, and to talk about IDW online. 

Bring IDW to Your Campus

We love to see and hear about all the activities related to international development taking place on your campuses across the country. If you haven’t planned anything for IDW yet, here are some ideas to inspire:

Start a discussion in the classroom on an international assistance topic like gender equality or climate change. Make sure to link your activities to the Sustainable Development Goals for extra impact!
Show a film that addresses a global issue.
Invite a guest speaker working in international assistance to give a presentation or speak to your class online.
Profile stories or testimonials of coworkers who have international assistance experience. Make sure to mention us if your stories are related to a CICan project!
Use social media to highlight stories of a partner in the field. Make sure to tag Global Affairs Canada if your stories are part of a project funded by GAC!

Whatever you plan on campus, make sure to add your activity to the IDW Calendar.

The College and Institute Impact Around the World

We’ve been involved in international projects supporting access to quality education and training for 50 years. In that time, we have delivered over 800 projects in more than 100 countries.

A new program in South Africa is our latest example!

The South Africa Skills Training Enhancement Program (SASTEP) will increase economic opportunities for graduates of TVET institutions in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces of South Africa through strengthening gender-responsive TVET delivery that focuses on student success.

Learn more about SASTEP and our portfolio of international partnerships.

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January 15, 2024

Canadian Colleges and Institutes Driving Impact in 2024

Each year, Canadian colleges and institutes play a crucial role in shaping our country’s future, and 2024 will be no different. As Canada’s innovation and post-secondary landscape evolves, our work intensifies to position colleges and institutes as true MVPs. We’re deepening our efforts on key challenge areas, including green growth, social inclusion and skills development for the new economy, and fostering student well-being, particularly in mission-critical areas like housing and international student integration in communities. Our commitment ensures significant and dynamic contributions that positively impact people, communities and the planet.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what’s staying strong and what’s taking a turn for colleges and institutes in 2024:

Growing Impact in Applied Research
With over >8,800 partners on applied research projects annually, colleges and institutes are channelling their demand-driven efforts on driving impact for the benefit of Canada’s business and not-for-profit sectors. Our primary focus will be on advancing competitiveness and productivity in crucial areas, such as the pursuit of a net-zero economy. Learn more about our applied research activity.

Adapting to Build 21st Century Skills
Colleges and institutes will continue to embrace change to ensure we’re supporting learners in building the latest, most in-demand skills. In 2024, this will include skills related to sustainability, renewable energy, green practices, and other vital areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and all-around digital literacy. Read more on green literacy.

Tackling the Student Housing Challenge
Despite restricted government support, 2024 will see colleges and institutes taking the lead in tackling student housing challenges. Through new partnerships and innovative solutions, we aim to expedite the development of student accommodations while continuing to advocate for a holistic approach to addressing student housing needs as an integral part of Canada’s overarching response to its greater housing crisis. Learn more about our role in student housing.

Managing International Student Growth
As the buzz around international students persists, we’re focused on enhancing their experiences and contributions, while preserving the integrity of the system and protecting our country’s hard-earned brand as a go-to destination for post-secondary education. This means enhancing support services, promoting cultural integration, creating nurturing and inclusive environments, and advocating for sustainable, integrated solutions to growth across all levels of government. Learn more about our recommendations for improving the International Student Program.

Growing Our Impact Through Partnership
With over 40 years of experience managing national and international projects, our project management capacity is driving societal impact. CICan will continue to position its members as key solutions providers for economic, environmental, and societal challenges. Collaborating with government, employers, and other partners, we will identify and address issues in areas like the skilled trades, healthcare, international development, green industries, virtual reality, and equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more about our portfolio of programs.

Subscribe to our newsletter today to follow us along for updates!

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November 28, 2023

Final Reflections from Departing President and CEO Denise Amyot

Dear friends, colleagues and members of the CICan community,

Today, I stand on the threshold of a new chapter in my life, and I am filled with gratitude and reflection.

Over the past 10.5 years, I have had the incredible privilege of leading this remarkable association that plays a pivotal role in advancing the work of our members across the country.

As many of you know, saying goodbye is not something that comes easily to me. It was an incredibly challenging decision for me to decline a third term as President and CEO of CICan. Prior to my time here, I had a diverse career spanning three provinces, and I had the privilege of serving in various capacities, from the territorial government in Yellowknife to federal government positions in numerous fields, from teacher to senior public servant.

Throughout my career, I’ve been profoundly moved by the transformative impact of colleges and institutes on people and communities.

Even as a child, my parents were relentless in emphasizing the importance of higher education. Despite not having attended college or even high school themselves, I witnessed their commitment to life-long learning as they took advantage of courses later in life to advance their careers. Whether it was watching my mother diligently study in the evenings for a program in gerontology she needed to be considered for a new job or seeing my dad leverage PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) to advance his career as a blue collar in the printing business, they exemplified the importance of hard work and the indispensable value of education. Their dedication to work and guidance inspired me to be the first in my extended family on both sides to pursue postsecondary education.

As I look back, all these experiences, personal and professional, and my volunteer work prepared me for my time at CICan.

During my 10.5 years at CICan, we have not only grown as an association but have also contributed to the growth of our members. Thanks to our advocacy, capacity building, knowledge initiatives, and the delivery of numerous programs, both nationally and internationally, we have achieved remarkable milestones.

When I assumed this role, I aspired to see CICan flourish, recognizing its incredible potential. I wanted to make it appealing to both our employees and members and be recognized as an important stakeholder with the federal government. I am delighted that my aspirations materialized, and we have experienced exceptional growth. To name just a few:

Our team has tripled in size as our project portfolio quintupled and has grown to almost half a billion dollars, all for the benefit of our members.
We began with 125 members; today, we proudly stand at 141 members, even considering that four colleges merged into two.
International student numbers have risen phenomenally, with hundreds of thousands studying in the college system. We represent the largest sector for international students.
We achieved recognition as a National Capital Region’s Top Employers for 2023 and have embarked on our fourth year with a pension plan.
We proudly signed the Government of Canada’s 50/30 Challenge in the fall of 2020 and became one of the five ecosystem partners chosen by the Government of Canada to champion the challenge.
Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) earned us the top prize from the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics, so too did our suite of leadership institutes.
We developed the Indigenous Education Protocol, which 70 members have now signed, to underscore the importance of structures and approaches required to advance Indigenous education.

There are countless achievements and moments of joy that I hold close to my heart. Witnessing the growth of my staff and the growth of the association and their recognition in government circles has been particularly fulfilling. Seeing the transformation and increased confidence in the participants of our leadership institutes has been immensely gratifying. Our domestic and international accomplishments have been a source of pride. Furthermore, our advocacy efforts have yielded numerous results, particularly during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which we worked with 22 different federal departments.

I am truly delighted that we have succeeded in creating an association that is more sustainable, more inclusive, and more connected than ever before. I could continue talking about our accomplishments, but I must acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and engagement of the team at CICan, the Board, and our valued members.

This is a moment to recognize the contributions of all those who have made these achievements possible. Expressing gratitude is a challenge, given the multitude of deserving individuals, but I must extend a special thank you to my exceptional team, the dedicated staff of CICan. Your passion, tireless efforts, and steadfast support have been pivotal to our collective success. Your unwavering commitment to our shared mission and your relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of the challenges faced, have been truly remarkable.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the board members over the last 10.5 years. Your trust, confidence in me, your support, and your insightful guidance have been invaluable. I commend your willingness to look beyond the status quo and your commitment to our collective goals.

To our members, the heart and soul of CICan, I extend my deepest gratitude. Without you, CICan would not exist. Thank you for being with us over the last 52 years, enabling us to advocate on your behalf, and positively impacting the lives of so many within your institutions. Your efforts have not only driven your communities forward but have contributed to making the world a better place.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the continued growth and strength of the sector. The momentum we’ve built together over the past decade positions us for even greater achievements in the future. The college and institute system, with its unwavering focus on excellence, diversity, and social responsibility, is well-positioned to assume a pivotal role in shaping the future of postsecondary education in Canada. Beyond this, I am confident that our sector will continue to be a driving force in contributing to Canada’s economic prosperity, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation of leaders and contributors to our society.

As for me, I will continue to remain active and give back. I will serve on boards at both the national and international levels. I will continue my love for learning languages and pursue my love for leadership and coaching, for which I just launched my own consulting services. And, of course, I look forward to travelling and discovering new places with my husband, and I hope to see my family, grandchildren and friends way more often.

It has been an honour and privilege to work with all of you. Thank you for making me realize my fullest potential and making my time here at CICan so rewarding.

Long life to CICan and to the college and institute system!

Denise

Related Resources:

Recent Awards:

Denise expresses her deep gratitude for recently being honoured with the following awards and accolades:

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November 16, 2023

Building for Tomorrow: A Diverse and Dynamic Future in Trades

First published in November 2023, and authored by Dina McNeil, Director of Projects and Programs, Colleges and Institutes Canada

Canada’s rich diversity is unmistakable. Yet, as the country faces an urgent need for more tradespeople, there’s a noticeable lack of representation in the skilled trades. Career opportunities in construction and manufacturing—rewarding occupations with good pay—exist across the country. Colleges and institutes are playing a pivotal role in addressing this shortage and reshaping the landscape by creating programs and partnering with industries to pave the way for a more inclusive future in the trades.

Central to this endeavor is our commitment to outreach events aimed at making the trades an inviting space for everyone. Our Explore Trades and Technology program is a testament to this, where colleges and industry leaders provide high school students with a comprehensive view of the trades, challenging traditional stereotypes. These hands-on events inspire the next generation to see the skilled trades as more than just jobs, but ambitious and fulfilling career choices, accessible to all.

We’ve made remarkable progress in creating opportunities for women in the trades over recent years. Initiatives like Conestoga College’s Engineering, Technology, and Trades for Women convey to women that the trades are not only open but welcoming. Dynamic recruitment campaigns further this narrative, depicting a career in the trades as compelling and rewarding—a message that is finding resonance with an increasing number of female learners.

Knowing that recruiting a diverse pool of workers is just the beginning, we emphasize the importance of supporting these learners, ensuring their sustained success in the trades. Saskatchewan Polytech’s Women in Trades and Technology initiative embodies this approach, positioning mentorship at its core. By connecting students with experienced professionals, we’re fostering an environment where guidance, support, and a sense of belonging are paramount.

Pre-apprenticeship programs tailored for underrepresented groups is another way we’re supporting a more diverse skilled trades sector. For instance, Lethbridge College’s Pathways to the Trades program prepares newcomers for the Alberta Apprenticeship entry exam while enhancing their integration into Canadian workplace culture. Participants discover a range of trades and visit job sites, build job search strategies and professional networks, and improve their trade-specific English language skills.

Programs like these serve as catalysts for change in the trades. By providing these opportunities, there’s a cyclical impact: the more women, newcomers, Indigenous people, visible minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people we usher into the trades, the more it’s seen as a suitable sector for them.

We’re also helping the construction and manufacturing sectors create positive and inclusive work environments through our new ApprenticeConnect platform. Developed in partnership with seven colleges and institutes across Canada, this platform provides tailored tools and resources such as inclusive hiring strategies, tips on fostering a supportive workplace culture, and access to diversity and inclusion training. Our aim is to ensure these businesses have the necessary tools to not only recruit but also retain and elevate a diverse workforce.

Having equipped businesses with the tools to foster inclusivity, it’s equally essential to provide tangible incentives that drive diverse hiring decisions. Our Career Launcher Apprenticeships program, funded by the Government of Canada, rewards employers who champion diversity in their hiring practices. Employers double their incentive, from $5,000 to $10,000, when they hire a new apprentice from an underrepresented group. Impressively, more than half of new apprentices hired through the program belong to one of these groups, highlighting its tangible impact.

At colleges and institutes, we’re not just educators; we’re change-makers. Every new program we create, recruitment drive we conduct, student we enrol, and mentorship initiative we introduce edges us closer to our vision: a trades sector mirroring Canada’s diverse population. But there’s still a lot of work to be done and achieving this vision requires collective action. We urge businesses, educators, policymakers, and the general public to join us in this transformative journey. Support these initiatives, invest in the future of trades, and together, let’s build a more inclusive and prosperous future.

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November 13, 2023

The Urgent Need for Investment in On-Campus Mental Health Services for a Resilient Canada (SDG 3)

Life on campus can be a thrilling and transformative experience for learners. But it can also be a time of intense stress and pressure. The demands of coursework, social expectations and the challenges of newfound independence for youth can take a significant toll on a learner’s mental health. These challenges are even more pronounced for older learners as they juggle existing careers and family responsibilities.

In recent years, stress related to factors such as climate change, the pandemic, and digital culture have intensified mental health conditions and placed them at the forefront of the wellness conversation. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reports that young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group (CAMH, 2023). We also know that every 1 in 2 students accesses mental health services through their post-secondary institution, but students cite wait times as the biggest barrier to accessing these supports (CASA, 2022)

In an ever-evolving world, the well-being of Canada’s future leaders – its learners – is vital. This is underscored in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, ‘Good Health and Well-Being,’ which accentuates the role of well-being in shaping our collective future.

Our Commitment:

Recognizing its vital importance, colleges and institutes are eager to enhance their efforts in fostering a safe and supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges. For instance:

North West College announced it will provide comprehensive tutoring and mental health services for students, thanks to a funding boost from Cenovus Energy.
Holland College recently celebrated the launch of the Thrive campaign to support the establishment of a visible and accessible centre for student wellness, resilience, and success today.
Red River College ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy College’ program is at the centre of their college-wide mental health strategy, delivering essential resources for stress management, counselling services, and mental health workshops to support their students’ well-being.
Kenjgewin Teg has introduced a new program that equips learners with a diverse range of foundational skills, while supporting their emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health.
Georgian College has a robust mental health and wellness strategic plan that includes counselling services, workshops, and events to promote mental well-being.
Cégep de Saint-Laurent has implemented a mental health strategy encompassing counselling services, workshops, and awareness campaigns, along with a ‘Psychosocial Support’ program to aid students in managing their mental well-being.

Colleges and institutes have also been advocating for on-campus mental health services and a stepped-care model that ensures students receive the right support at the right time. We want to see a holistic approach, combining counselling with various mental health supports, connecting students with their communities, integrating cultural practices, and supporting research. Furthermore, our involvement in initiatives like the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being underscores our commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments.

The Need for Urgent Action:

While colleges and institutes are dedicated to supporting their students, addressing the severity of mental health challenges requires government commitment and coordinated efforts with adequate resources.

The Liberal Party of Canada’s 2021 platform commitment to invest $500 million over four years for on-campus mental health counsellors is a significant step in the right direction. However, we are eagerly awaiting action.

Our Call to Action:

CICan and its members are urging the Government of Canada to fulfil its commitments as soon as possible, recognizing that Canada’s success hinges on our learners’ ability to receive the personalized mental-health support they need. It’s important we act now to ensure the strength and resilience of our learners can propel Canada forward. You can learn more about our recommendations in Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance – Pre-budget Consultations in Advance of Budget 2024.