CICan response to COVID-19

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September 8, 2020

CICan issues recommendations to build back better

Ottawa, September 8, 2020 – As the country looks to build back better in COVID-19 recovery, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has issued eight recommendations to the Standing Committee of Finance as part of its most recent round of pre-budget consultations. The association encourages the government to leverage the expertise available in colleges and institutes all across the country who are already doing incredible work to support their communities through this unprecedented time. With many Canadians out of work, and employers looking to adapt to a new reality, supporting post-secondary institutions and investing in skills development will be absolutely essential... Read more
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October 22, 2019

CICan congratulates all new and returning MPs

Ottawa, October 22, 2019 – Denise Amyot, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada issued the following statement on the election of a new federal government. “On behalf of colleges and institutes across Canada, I would like to thank all the candidates who took part in this very important election and offer my sincere congratulations to our 338 new and returning members of parliament. “Regardless of party lines and platforms, Canadians know that providing quality, accessible education is at the heart of Canada’s success and prosperity. We look forward to working with all the parties in the House to support... Read more
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September 6, 2019

Investments in skills and innovation needed to respond to climate change

Ottawa, September 6, 2019 – With federal budget consultations underway, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has issued seven recommendations aimed at supporting economic growth, competitiveness and the fight against climate change by investing in skills and innovation. This is critical to help Canadians, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, prepare for the future of work and to stay competitive in a rapidly changing labour market. These recommendations were shared as part of the House of Commons Standing Committee of Finance’s pre-budget consultations in advance of budget 2020, which was focused on the transition to a low carbon economy, and... Read more
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March 19, 2019

Colleges and institutes eager to deliver on Canada’s skills budget

Ottawa, March 19, 2019 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is pleased to see that the federal budget tabled today by Finance Minister Bill Morneau includes significant new investments in skills training to help Canadians keep their skills current as the needs of the workplace evolve.    “We are very pleased to see that the government recognizes the importance of investing in the skills needs of tomorrow,” said CICan President and CEO Denise Amyot. “This budget will help foster a culture of lifelong learning, supporting Canadians as they prepare for the future of work. Initiatives such as the Canada Training Benefit, the expansion of work-integrated learning opportunities, a... Read more
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September 5, 2018

Investing in skills and innovation is key to inclusive economic growth

Ottawa, September 5, 2018 – With federal budget consultations underway, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has issued six recommendations aimed at supporting inclusive economic growth and competitiveness by investing in skills and innovation. This is critical to help Canadians prepare for the future of work and to stay competitive in a rapidly changing labour market. These recommendations were shared as part of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s pre-budget consultations in advance of budget 2019 and are based on broad consultations with CICan member colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics. Focusing on innovation, providing students with experiential or work-integrated learning opportunities,... Read more
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February 27, 2018

Budget 2018 empowers colleges and institutes to fuel Canadian innovation and inclusive growth

Ottawa, February 27, 2018 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is excited to see new funding in Budget 2018 for research and innovation, including for the critically important College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program. This will help fuel the growth of applied research in institutions across the country and generate new innovation partnerships that benefit businesses, students and their communities. The CCI will receive $140 million over 5 years, as part of substantial investments in research and innovation via new support for the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). This, coupled with increased funding and program changes... Read more
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February 22, 2018

Budget 2018: Support for applied research is needed to meet the government’s skills and innovation goals

Ottawa, February 22, 2018 – Having launched several initiatives over the last year that clearly place skills and innovation at the forefront of the federal government’s agenda, the time has come for Ottawa to provide additional support to college and institute led applied research. This remains the main preoccupation of colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics across Canada who are looking to Budget 2018 for recognition of the critical role they play in the country’s innovation ecosystem. Despite clear growth in research activity, colleges and institutes are only able to access roughly 2.5% of federal research funding. This is simply not... Read more
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September 30, 2016

Fast-Tracking Inclusive Innovation for a Successful Canada | Capitalizing on the Assets of Colleges and Institutes

CICan applauds the launch of the Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda and the opportunity to provide input on behalf of its members across the country. We welcome the invitation to contribute to the design of a broad, national action plan that will foster a confident nation of innovators, put Canada on the path to long-term economic growth and maintain its status as one of the best places in the world to live. CICan members look forward to playing a central role in both the development and the implementation of this action plan.
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