Ottawa, February 17, 2026 – CICan President & CEO Pari Johnston, today, issued the following statement on the federal government’s Workforce Alliances:
“On behalf of Colleges and Institutes Canada, I commend the federal government’s action to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more independent economy amid on-going domestic and international pressures. In building a strong, agile workforce, public colleges and institutes are trusted, place-based, and ready partners.
In moments of crisis, Canada needs strategic conversation among strong willing partners to think and act differently about our national missions. With these six new workforce alliances, the federal government is building a forum to enable these critical conversations and coordinated action.
CICan’s 130 members across the country – Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education – look forward to engaging at these tables, bringing what our sector does best in their communities, every single day: provide real opportunity, deliver results, partner by default, and inspire hope in the future for Canadian learners, graduates and employers.
In each of the areas for the Workforce Alliances – advanced manufacturing, housing and construction, transportation and supply chains, energy and electricity, mining and minerals, and the care economy – colleges and institutes deliver the skilled people Canada needs most.
We look forward to collaborating with governments, industry, labour, and other training partners in strategic partnership to bring these alliances to life and deliver results for Canadians and their communities.”
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About Colleges and Institutes Canada
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national voice of Canada’s dynamic network of public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. By convening, mobilizing, and championing the sector, we amplify the value and impact of our members to advance priorities that matter most to Canadians. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to position colleges and institutes as key partners in meeting Canada’s – and the world’s – biggest challenges.
We respectfully acknowledge that CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
For more information
Matthew Smith
Director, Communications
Email: msmith@cican.org
Twitter: @CollegeCan