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March 22, 2024

Innovation for Impact: Insights from CICan’s CEO Pari Johnston at the Standing Committee on Science and Research

On Thursday, March 21st, CICan’s President and CEO, Pari Johnston, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research regarding the distribution of federal research funds among Canadian post-secondary institutions.   

Pari delivered a compelling testimony on enhancing the impact of college and institute applied research. She underscored the importance of investing in a reimagined approach to college applied study, noting its unique attributes, including a focus on industry partnerships, local relevance, and capacity to enhance productivity, and emphasized three key points:

  • We must reimagine the role of colleges and institutes in the broader research and innovation ecosystem. Despite our demonstrated and unique expertise in driving impact, particularly in translating research into innovation, colleges and institutes are greatly under-supported (receiving only 2.9% of federal research funds) and could be doing much more if Canada stepped up and funded colleges like equal research partners.   
  • Colleges and institutes are well-positioned to address our country’s major policy challenges, like housing and climate adaptation. To leverage this potential, the government should adopt a challenge-driven research approach that is inclusive of all players—including and especially the college sector—and provides scaled investments. 
  • The Committee should conduct a study to identify barriers hindering colleges and institutes’ expanded involvement in Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem and the potential benefits of their reimagined role for the benefit of Canadians.

Watch the video recording of her testimony:

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November 22, 2023

Building a Better Future: Colleges and Institutes’ Role in Student Housing

Student housing in Canada is in a crisis. Rent is increasing, affordable housing options are dwindling, and colleges and institutes are bursting with students striving to learn and make a positive impact on our economy. The result is that many students live in inadequate, unaffordable, or ill-suited places for their needs. These less-than-ideal living situations can affect not only a student’s academic performance but also their overall health and well-being (source, 2019). And it’s no secret that this crisis, like so many others, disproportionately affects equity-deserving groups, exacerbating existing inequalities and hindering their access to quality education and, thus, meaningful career opportunities.     

Fortunately, colleges and institutes recognize that safe, accessible, and affordable student housing isn’t just nice to have – it’s a must for delivering inclusive, quality education. It is the primary impetus for why we’re rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into establishing new partnerships and implementing innovative, practical solutions to fast-track the development, approvals, and construction of new student accommodations. For example: 

  • Cegep de Rivière-du-Loup is collaborating with the Kamourask School Commission on a student residence project and has developed a directory which contains all the housing offers available to students.   
  • Niagara College is tripling its on-campus housing as part of its new master plan, which also includes renovations and improvements for the existing on-campus residences. 
  • Humber College, Loyalist College, and Georgian College have all formed partnerships to connect students who need affordable living spaces with older adults with available space. 
  • Vancouver Community College plans to redevelop its East Vancouver property to include a new educational space and a series of residential towers of up to 25 storeys that could include more than 3,300 homes. 
  • Conestoga College is using revenue from international student tuition fees to build, buy, lease or renovate buildings in the Kitchener region for its students. The college recently purchased a 12-storey building in downtown Kitchener to use as a student residence and bought a five-story building just blocks from the college’s Waterloo campus. 
  • Selkirk College has launched a student housing project to build a 112-bed project on the Castlegar Campus and a 36-unit project on Nelson’s Silver King Campus to result in better learner outcomes and strengthened communities. 

And our role doesn’t stop at student housing solutions; we are also addressing labour shortages in the very industries responsible for building the housing people in Canada need, offering a diverse range of hands-on learning experiences and specialized programs in the trades. Our comprehensive array of over 300 pre-apprenticeship programs is helping the next generation of trades workers gain practical skills and experience in fields like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Of these, 80 programs are designed to support traditionally underrepresented groups, including women and Indigenous communities. For example, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Continuing Education Indigenous Strategy has partnered with the Joseph A. Remai School of Construction to deliver Green Building Awareness training to Indigenous people.    

Even more noteworthy is that these programs are creating a positive impact even before students earn their diplomas. Take, for example, the innovative partnership between Mohawk College and CityHousing Hamilton (CHH). In this collaboration, sixty-three students from the Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation program at Mohawk College are gaining valuable work-integrated learning experience as they complete a 112-hour service-learning project that is helping to provide affordable housing units for people who live and work in Hamilton’s diverse community. There is also Holland College, which has partnered with the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Construction Association of PEI to engage students from Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, and Plumbing programs to create 32 tiny homes for Islanders on the social housing registry.  

Yet, despite this remarkable work, the reality remains that the housing crisis extends beyond the immediate student population, shaped by a multitude of factors that lie beyond the control of colleges and institutes. It’s why we’re advocating for a holistic approach to addressing student housing needs as an integral part of the comprehensive response to Canada’s overarching housing crisis. We recommend the Government invest $2.6 billion over three years to establish a new Student Housing Loan and Grant Program, which will provide the financial support to help colleges and institutes build 40,000 student beds across the country. We also recommend that the government work to ensure students’ unique housing needs are reflected in federal housing policies, data collection, and programs. 

You can learn more about our recommendations in our statement published on National Housing Day. 

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August 15, 2023

Empowering change: How a free microcredential launched Arlyn’s healthcare career

“While working in the housekeeping field, I was contemplating getting a Health Care Aide certificate. I saw the SCA program as the perfect opportunity to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue my new career path.” – Arlyn Estolero, SCA Graduate 

In October 2021, Arlyn Estolero was working in housekeeping and had no previous experience in healthcare. She was contemplating a career shift when she saw an ad for the free Supportive Care Assistant (SCA) microcertificate program at NorQuest College. The program’s unique features, including free training, a paid work placement, and a $5,000 stipend to upskill, gave Arlyn the boost she needed to start her journey into the healthcare field. 

The SCA program is a free microcertificate designed to attract and train new healthcare workers. In the last two years, over 1,000 students benefited from online training, paid work placements, and a $5,000 stipend for further studies. This provided job seekers with meaningful employment, strengthened the care sector, and supported clients and staff at 400+ establishments. 

As an SCA student, Arlyn’s paid work placement in four different departments of an assisted-living facility proved invaluable. Arlyn expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship and guidance she received during the program. The compassionate staff at the facility patiently trained and supported her as she developed the essential skills required for success in healthcare. 

Reflecting on her transformative journey, Arlyn shared, “The hands-on experience through the SCA program not only increased my confidence but it also gave me a comprehensive understanding of different areas within healthcare facilities. This exposure positively influenced my ability to adapt and contribute effectively to various aspects of healthcare.” 

After finishing the SCA program, Arlyn took advantage of a $5,000 stipend to continue her studies and enrolled in a Health Care Aide certificate program. She continued working part-time at her placement facility while pursuing her certificate but was able to prioritize her studies thanks to the financial support provided by the stipend. 

In April 2023, Arlyn eagerly sought employment as a Health Care Aide, excited about the opportunity to provide compassionate care to patients and residents, and be an integral part of a healthcare team. 

Wholeheartedly endorsing the program, Arlyn said, “My personal growth, career development, and the invaluable connections made within the healthcare community were all possible because of the SCA program. It is a very helpful program, especially for people without a healthcare background.” 

Her advice to others considering the program is simple yet powerful: embrace the experience, be open to learning, and revel in the joy of making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and patients—an experience she describes as both fun and rewarding. 

While only a limited number of colleges and institutes are currently accepting new students for the SCA program, current students and graduates can still take advantage of the $5,000 stipend to upskill.

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July 5, 2023

How do you ensure the sustainability of the trades?

A 2021 RBC Thought Leadership report predicted that by 2028, over 700,000 skills trades people in Canada will retire. It also said that one of the main challenges facing the sector is the continued underrepresentation of women and immigrants. The challenges are significant, it said. So are the opportunities.

Keeping up with the demand for skilled trades workers in Canada requires more effective action to attract people from underrepresented groups to pre-apprenticeship programs and, eventually, to a promising career. That’s where we come in.

Our work brings colleges and institutes across the country together in ways that maximize our collective impact.

Apprenticeships are work-integrated learning opportunities that combine on-the-job training with classroom learning. They are valuable experiences for both students entering the trades and for employers. Apprenticeships support employers in recruiting new talent and ensure that students graduate with the skills employers need.

  • Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare students to enter apprenticeship systems, develop their job skills and trade readiness, and eventually find work as apprentices.

Colleges and institutes are leaders in accessible learning pathways. As experts in hands-on learning, they offer over 300 pre-apprenticeship programs in over 20 skilled trades. And, over 80 of those programs are designed to support groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the trades.

Three years ago, in partnership with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, we launched a program to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the skilled trades – such as women, Indigenous people, newcomers, people with disabilities and youth – and contributes to their success.

Unlocking Inclusive Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways helps those facing barriers to education access tailored training designed to support skills development, applied learning opportunities and the pursuit of a fulfilling career.

We gathered data, conducted interviews, and developed a suite of resources – including an environmental scan, a pre-apprenticeship program inventory, a Diversity and Inclusion tool, and more – to make an impact across the sector.

Make your programs more inclusive! Use the Diversity and Inclusion Tool to evaluate a program at the Pre-Program Delivery, Program Delivery and Post-Program Delivery stages. The tool offers best practices to help make your pre-apprenticeship programs more inclusive to underrepresented groups. 

What now? 

An eye-opening experience. Of 84 participants who successfully completed the program, 77% expressed an interest in pursuing careers in trades-related fields, and 60% expressed a desire to complete an apprenticeship.  

If we want to build a more sustainable trades sector, we need more plumbers, boilermakers, heavy equipment operators, and welders that reflect the diversity of our communities.  

By prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to training opportunities, more people can see themselves in trades-related fields.  

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June 5, 2023

Canada’s most popular internship program sets young people up for success

Finding a job is no easy feat, especially in today’s labour market. Employers need young people with skills to adapt to new technologies and new ways of doing business, while also addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality. Career Launcher can help.  

In fact, since 2015 Career Launcher has helped over 2,100 young people gain skills to find meaningful employment and make a positive change in their community through hands-on learning experiences. How do we do it?  

Career Launcher provides wage subsidies and hiring incentivesto small and medium-sized employers to help them hire young people. Employers get access to top talent and support to grow their businesses; and young people – including college and institute students and recent graduates – of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities get paid work and learning opportunities to kickstart their careers. 

  • Career Launcher provides young people with work and learning opportunities. In 2022-2023, more than 250 young people participated in internships through Career Launcher! 

In sectors like natural resources, clean technologies, digital technologies, and ImpAct – what we call work opportunities that contribute to positive change through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – our internship programs are funded by the Government of Canada and help make Canada, learners, and employers futureproof.  

To be futureproof means we are set up for future success, no matter how the world changes and evolves.  

Accessible work-integrated learning experiences like Career Launcher internships help employers recruit new talent and ensure students and graduates transition successfully into the workplace – especially those who are often underrepresented in postsecondary education and in the labour market, like women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. 

Did you know that in 2022-2023, 50% of all Career Launcher interns were women? SDG 5 Gender Equality challenges us to put strategies in place to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 

At the intersection of SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Career Launcher recognizes the value of giving all Canadians an opportunity to find meaningful employment. 

We’re proud of our success. Career Launcher builds connections between interns and employers that don’t stop when the placement ends.  

  • Of all the students and recent graduates that completed an internship through Career Launcher in 2022-2023, 83% are now either employed in their field or continuing their studies. And, of those currently employed, 70% are still working with the organization that hosted their internship.  

That’s why we say Career Launcher is Canada’s most popular internship program. Want to learn more about Career Launcher? Visit careerlauncher.ca to learn more about how you can strengthen your organization and create opportunities for young workers. 

 

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Igniting collective action towards net zero. (SDG 13 & SDG 17)

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Colleges and institutes play a pivotal role in our race to net zero. We are a vital catalyst, including environmental awareness in training programs and fostering sustainable practices that contribute to a resilient future. Today, to mark United Nations World Environment Day and the beginning of Canadian Environmental Week, we reaffirm our commitment to this role and share two exciting updates on a project that’s inspiring action against climate change: ImpAct-Climate.  

Living Lab Demonstrations 

Our ImpAct-Climate project raises awareness about greenhouse gases and encourages behaviour change to reduce emissions in the college and institute sector. As part of the project, we’ve been working with colleges and institutes on 20 Living Labs projects to demonstrate how we can maximize the impact of Canada’s largest post-secondary network. For example:  

  • At Norquest College, the Green Café team uses rescued or leftover food ingredients to deliver delicious, chef-prepared meals to students free of charge while raising awareness about sustainable consumption and production patterns and helping boost food security. (SDGs 2, 3 & 12)  
  • At Cégep John Abbott College, the team is creating a First People’s Garden and Micro-forest on campus to improve knowledge and practices about their environment and increase awareness of how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and care for our planet (SDGs 11 & 15). 
  • At Cambrian College, the Climate Action Lab team uses their year-round, four-season Indigenous learning space to teach individuals about sustainability and many other topics through an Indigenous lens of ways of knowing, being, and doing. (SDGs 4, 10, 11 & 16)  
  • At Collège La Cité, the team will use an AI platform (e.g., OSCAR) to identify waste and inform users on how to properly dispose of the items to reduce waste on campus (SDGs 9 & 12).  

Funding for a new Campus Living Labs Demonstration project will be launched in February 2024. 

Impact-Climate Challenge 

Another key initiative within this project is the Impact-Climate Challenge. The challenge inspires change and ignites collective action across campuses by inviting students, faculty and staff to share actions and ideas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a greener future.   

We just wrapped up the submission phase of the challenge and are thrilled to share that we received a total of 71 submissions. Curious to know what we received? Here’s a glimpse into two of the many ideas: 

  • One submission shared a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using public transit, shopping mostly at thrift stores for clothing, and eating a vegetarian diet.  
  • Another submission suggested various actions for reducing waste on campus, such as replacing old bulbs with LED lights in buildings, utilizing native plants for landscapes to reduce maintenance and fuel consumption, and promoting reusable cups and bottles to minimize waste and emissions.  

By amplifying success stories and generating new ideas, our goal is to foster an even greater culture of sustainability within the sector. Stay tuned as we prepare to share even more challenge submissions and reveal the winners on June 20th.  There will also be a new ImpAct-Climate Challenge launching in 2023-2024. 

Join us in taking action.   

Whether or not you had the opportunity to participate in the living labs project or the ImpAct-Climate Challenge, it’s crucial to recognize that SDG 13 calls upon all of us to take urgent action in combating climate change and its far-reaching impacts. Join us in this global challenge and get inspired by the incredible work taking place across Canada’s colleges and institutes.    

Together, we can make a significant difference! 

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May 25, 2023

The SCA program is the door to a fulfilling career in healthcare

Bunmi Oni enrolled in the Supportive Care Assistant (SCA) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic only four months after arriving in Canada. With previous experience working in the banking sector, the SCA program was Bunmi’s first step into healthcare. 

The program provided her with six weeks of free online training, followed by a two-month paid work placement with Sanctum Care Group in Saskatoon. Bunmi enjoyed both aspects of the program, particularly her work placement. 

  • “The experience gained during the work placement was an unforgettable one,” she said. “I was able to put into practice and enhance the skills learned in the online training.” 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 Good Health and Well-being calls on us to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people at all ages. 

The SCA program not only introduced Bunmi to a career in long-term care but also inspired her to continue her studies to become a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)*. As an SCA graduate, she can receive a $5,000 stipend to support her CCA studies including tuition, books, certifications, dependant care, uniforms, transportation, etc. 

For Bunmi, the experience was truly meaningful. She hopes to one day become a licensed practical nurse and is grateful for the opportunity the SCA program provided to achieve her short-term career goals and work towards future career success.  

A gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. After completing the SCA program, Bunmi was offered full-time work at Sanctum Care Group and highly recommends the program to anyone looking to start a career in healthcare. She believes the program provides an excellent learning experience and job opportunities at no financial cost. 

The SCA program helps individuals like Bunmi learn in-demand skills, get hands-on work experience, and launch their careers in healthcare. By providing support to those in their community, students in the program are contributing to the well-being of others.  

Bunmi was quick to add, “I absolutely recommend this program for anyone looking to start a career in long-term care!” 

*Continuing Care Assistant is the common title for personal care providers in Saskatchewan. Other provinces use different titles, including Personal Support Worker in Ontario and New Brunswick and Health Care Aide in Alberta and Manitoba. 

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May 10, 2023

Every day, nurses across the country dedicate themselves to protecting our health

They provide compassionate and professional care to Canadians, even in the most difficult of times. Yet, as our population ages and our healthcare needs become more demanding, Canada continues to face an unprecedented shortage of healthcare workers.  

In fact, a 2019 survey by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union revealed that 73% of nurses reported that their institutions were frequently operating over capacity, indicating the strain on the healthcare system.  

SDG 3 Good Health & Well-being challenges us to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. That means we need to find innovative ways to train more workers and to encourage more students to enter healthcare fields. 

Colleges and institutes are leaders in developing learning tools that enhance healthcare education resources to employment. Did you know that colleges, institutes, and universities currently offer 308 nursing programs, 93 medical laboratory sciences programs, and 55 paramedicine programs across Canada? 

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth challenges us to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Our Virtu-WIL project does just that. It enables learners to develop job-ready skills while addressing some of the challenges in healthcare in an innovative way.  

Virtu-WIL means more aspiring nurses, medical laboratory scientists, paramedics, and sonographers can now dive into a world of immersive, hands-on learning experiences that simulate real-world challenges.  

  • Virtual simulations are digitally-simulated clinical experiences created by educators to help students improve their skills and knowledge. With Virtu-WIL, students can improve their clinical competencies in a fun and engaging way.

Through the program, 137 free virtual simulations for students to develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers (with 54 new simulations coming, including eight in sonography). In each virtual simulation, students explore clinical scenarios, assess different situations, and then receive instant feedback on their decisions. In an increasingly complex and diverse healthcare sector Virtu-WIL is an essential resource for students looking to gain practical experience in their field.  

Virtu-WIL also strengthens partnerships between post-secondary institutions, employers, and technology suppliers. These collaborations are essential to ensuring that healthcare education keeps up with the demands of the industry and prepares students for the workforce. 

National Nursing Week is May 8-14. The celebration puts a national spotlight on nurses and ensures Canadians, policymakers, and governments understand how nurses contribute to our well-being and the indispensable role they play in our communities.