The Path to Canada’s Future Runs Through Public Colleges and Institutes

At pivotal nation-building moments like these, Canada needs a public college and institute sector that comes together with purpose to meet the needs of diverse learners, businesses and workers, to build partnerships that maximize our collective impact, and develop Canadian-made solutions.

CICan’s Connections Conference is the premier forum to convene, mobilize, and champion Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics and Indigenous Institutes of Education.

Join Canadian and international leaders, educators, practitioners, policymakers as we focus on the role of colleges and institutes in meeting the climate change commitments of the Paris Climate Accords

Over 2 days, up to 300 attendees from across Canada and around the world will gather to challenge the status quo, explore and envisage innovative solutions, and learn how domestic and international partnerships can and will work together to unleash the green potential of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Objectives of the Forum 

• Create tangible inspiration for all, regardless of size or budget of the institution through communication and awareness-raising. 
• Empower behaviour change that is within reach for all through collaborative projects and research.
• Equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and resources to address greenhouse gas emissions on campus and in curriculum. 
• Explore opportunities to build climate resilience, integrating Indigenous knowledge about environmental guardianship and stewardship, nationally and internationally. 
• Share insights into what it takes to unleash the potential of colleges and institutes to contribute to fighting climate change around the world, how creativity, flexibility, and innovation are behind our forward movement.; 
• Confirm the place of rural, remote and northern colleges and institutes in national climate policies and their pivotal role in training the workforce required to reach net zero. 

Presidents are invited to CICan on the Hill 2023 in Ottawa on October 3, 2023. This full-day event is an opportunity to engage with parliamentarians and senior federal officials to share perspectives on how colleges and institutes support Canadian students to gain global skills and contribute to international education. Presidents, or their designated representative, may be accompanied by a government relations or international lead from their institution.

Ramping up to the renewal of the International Education Strategy and its star program, Global Skills Opportunity, and the anticipated changes to the International Student Program following IRCC’s wide departmental review, this year CICan on the Hill will focus on international priorities. The event will highlight the value of the Global Skills Opportunity program, and the important role international students play in Canada’s prosperity.

Presidents are encouraged to also bring along a student who participated in a GSO experience. These students will be featured during our evening’s Global Skills Opportunity reception. CICan on the Hill event participants, including students, will join in two organized meetings and/or roundtables with parliamentarians, senior public servants, Senators, or political staff.

GSO Reception

GSO students will be the star of our reception, with college and university students who have benefitted.

Schedule