Canadians can expect a lot of change in the next 18 months. In view of a coming federal election, it’s clear that colleges and institutes can and must focus on the things Canada needs most.
My priority is on greater integration in our work to maximize impact.
Our message – in plain language – is that colleges and institutes are the partners on the ground that will come up with solutions to build more homes, integrate more newcomers, help local companies transition to the green economy, and train the health and childcare workers our country desperately needs.
On national issues like this and many others, it’s imperative that we demonstrate our public and political value proposition, scale our impact, and connect institutional efforts to deliver.
Impact Goals as the focal point of our strategic direction.
CICan is at an important inflection point. We have a new leadership team and organizational structure. And, with your input, we have refreshed and extended our Strategic Plan to 2026.
In everything we do, we remain laser-focused on the interests of our members in these disruptive times.
CICan’s Roadmap to 2026 – approved by our Board of Directors this spring – will guide our next 18 months. It will focus CICan’s agenda in a way that helps us set priorities and activities for impact and ensures we are positioned to navigate the changing, uncertain and complex landscape.
The roadmap also introduces Impact Goals that will serve as targeted responses to the pressing issues faced by Canada and by our members, directing our resources towards priority areas where we want to drive tangible change.
We’ll share more on the Roadmap and our Impact Goals in the coming weeks and months.
I am confident it will position our sector strategically, leading to a more focused, fit-for-purpose CICan better able to serve our members, and to greater impact the communities we serve.
Together, working in shared purpose around shared challenges, we are going to achieve big things for Canada, and the world.
CICan is strongest when it’s informed by strong leaders. Your input ensures we move forward with confidence. Your priorities are guiding our advocacy, your needs are guiding our services, and your impact is guiding our message.
We will deliver for Canadians by charting a course that is intentional, integrated, and impactful.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
June 27, 2024
Our Year in Impact
What’s On My Mind? With Pari Johnston.
In a year marked by change, we have a lot to be proud of.
I’m happy to share some reflections on our achievements, on our challenges, and on way forward as a united sector.
Since my arrival in December, I’ve made it a top priority to get out on your campuses to listen deeply and to learn with curiosity. In my first six months, I’ve had the opportunity to visit 30 member institutions in seven provinces and join several provincial college association meetings.
To say I’ve been blown away by the dynamism, diversity, and community-driven spirit of your campuses is an understatement. Getting on more campuses will continue to be a top priority for me this year and next.
What I’ve heard about your aspirations, your needs, and your challenges are the key drivers of CICan’s evolving strategic directions.
I’ve been listening hard – and I hear you. Your priorities are guiding our advocacy, your needs are guiding our services, and your impact is guiding our message.
We are focusing our advocacy agenda on Canada’s big challenges and elevating our voice in national public policy conversations that matter to Canadians.
We are modernizing our approach to member services to create more touchpoints more frequently, with a stronger focus on convening college presidents on shared issues affecting institutional strategy and sustainability.
We are bringing our national and international programs together with a greater focus on benefits for members, collaboration, and capacity-building guiding our choices and our work.
I’m fully convinced that the time is now – and the future is bright – for Canada’s colleges and institutes.
I’m excited about the opportunity to continue growing our impact and to position CICan’s work in a way that best serves you and ensures that our members are positioned to support Canadians.
That’s not to say there haven’t been significant pressures. CICan is keeping our eye on the ball and laser focused on promoting members’ interests in these very disruptive times – especially unprecedented reforms to Canada’s international student program as part of the federal government’s plan to better manage overall immigration levels by reducing temporary resident numbers. And as always, we are pro-actively working to keep our members engaged and well-informed.
As we look ahead, I fundamentally believe that the value of the college and institute sector is in asking ourselves what problems we’re solving for Canadians.
When we think purposefully about the connections between what we teach and research and what we need in our country and our communities, colleges and institutes become natural partners in meeting Canada’s biggest public policy challenges – challenges like providing sustainable and affordable housing, transitioning to clean energies, responding to the care economy and driving productivity and industrial transformation.
As a sector, what you do ensures we have a skilled workforce to meet housing demand, ensures workers are equipped to thrive in green and digital industries, and makes businesses more innovative, efficient, and productive.
CICan understands – and promotes – that impact wholeheartedly.
We’re proud to be the national leader bringing the sector together in this way, and we continue to advocate with a strong, coordinated voice for our shared interests.
Our work is making it clear to leaders, to decision makers, and to Canadians that colleges and institutes are high value ecosystem partners with a unique and differentiated value proposition.
You are the educators, the innovators, the job creators, the makers, the builders and the growers.
You are the ones driving real-world impact on matters Canadians care about every day.
In the context of these big policy challenges, we can reflect on what we’ve accomplished in the past year through our programs.
To name a few, on Canada’s housing crisis and in the healthcare sector, our work brought together colleges and institutes from across the country to build a skilled workforce and address acute labour shortages.And, in climate action, our work has supported green skills and literacy, helped businesses and community organizations lower their carbon footprints, and improved planning for sustainability in Canada.
We should be all very proud of the incredible achievements highlighted in our 2023-24 Impact Report – both as members participating in CICan’s projects and as a sector.
As our work continues to evolve to focus on the things Canada needs most, my priority is on greater integration to maximize impact.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
June 17, 2024
By the Numbers: Indigenous Post-Secondary Education in Canada
Indigenous postsecondary education in Canada is a dynamic landscape marked by resilience, progress, and ongoing challenges. The latest data from Statistics Canada (StatsCan), as well as the 2021 census data, sheds light on this landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of colleges and institutes and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access for these students.
Let’s take a look!
Indigenous Post-Secondary Education Trends
Despite facing challenges, Indigenous Peoples have made notable strides in education. While 16% of Indigenous peoples hold a university degree (compared to 36% of the overall population), 23% have obtained a college credential, and 11% have completed apprenticeships—figures that surpass those of the general population (Statistics Canada, 2021). Nevertheless, while the share of Indigenous adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher has increased since 2016, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations has widened.
Source: Melvin, Alexandria. 2023. “Postsecondary educational attainment and labour market outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Canada, findings from the 2021 Census”. Insights on Canadian Society. October. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 75-006-X.
Did you know? Half ofIndigenous new postsecondary entrants start their journey at colleges, compared to 37% of non-Indigenous entrants(Statistic Canada, 2024).Additionally, Indigenous new entrants at collegesare far more likely to be women and more likely to be 20 years or older compared to non-Indigenous new entrants. These statistics underscore the critical role colleges play in providing accessible and supportive educational opportunities – including delivery in community and essential wrap-around services – for Indigenous learners at any stage in their lives, regardless of their life circumstances.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 37-10-0264-01 New entrants to postsecondary education by Indigenous identity, educational qualification, field of study (STEM and BHASE (non-STEM) groupings), gender and age.
Navigating Challenges: Regional Disparities and Remote Living
The educational journey for Indigenous peoples isn’t without its challenges. Historical and ongoing injustices, such as the legacy of residential schools and intergenerational trauma, coupled with ongoing structural challenges like limited access to educational institutions, food insecurity and lack of childcare options while in school, have long cast a shadow over Indigenous education.
Among Indigenous populations, First Nations youth, in particular, face numerous challenges. These include higher rates of young parenthood, low-income households, and rural residence, contributing to a disparity in postsecondary completion rates compared to non-Indigenous youth. As a result of these challenges, non-Indigenous youth are nearly twice as likely (72%) to have completed or recently attended a postsecondary program as First Nations youth (37%) (Statistics Canada, 2023).
Source: Layton, Jaclyn. 2023. “First Nations youth: Experiences and outcomes in secondary and postsecondary learning.” June. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 81-599-X.
Adding to the complexity, Indigenous communities are disproportionately situated in rural and remote areas. In 2016, 26% of Indigenous individuals aged 19 to 45 lived in these regions, in stark contrast to just 3% of the non-Indigenous population (Statistics Canada, 2023).
How does this translate into educational outcomes? Those who lived in easily accessible areas completed high school in much higher proportions than those in very remote areas. An expanded age analysis also reveals that there are higher rates of high school completion and postsecondary education attendance among First Nations individuals living outside rural areas, with almost half of females and over a third of males attending or completing postsecondary education.
Source: Layton, Jaclyn. 2023. “Distance as a Factor for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit High School Completion.” Education, learning and training: Research Paper Series. June. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 81-595-M.
Proximity to postsecondary institutions, therefore, plays a crucial role in the success of Indigenous learners. Fortunately, 86% of Indigenous Peoples live within 50km of a college campus or service centre. However, proximity alone is not enough. Offering flexible, adaptable, and culturally responsive options—such as outreach programs, community partnerships, and online resources—is essential to bridging the gap in postsecondary education and empowering Indigenous learners to achieve their full potential.
Indigenous-led institutes across the country, such as those in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia along with Northern colleges like Nunavut Arctic College and Yukon University, also play a unique leadership role. Their locations, combined with their capacity and cultural understanding, enable them to address community-driven needs and deliver programs that are relevant, accessible, and empowering for Indigenous learners.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Indigenous Youth for a Stronger Future
The Public Policy Forum reports that by 2026, around 350,000 Indigenous youth will reach adulthood. Empowering these individuals with high-quality, culturally relevant postsecondary education and training will not only promote social inclusion and justice but also help Canada address its underemployment and skill gaps. It is estimated that supporting these young people can boost our economy by a significant $27.7 billion each year (Public Policy Forum, 2024).
With their unique insights, Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable solutions for addressing Canada’s pressing issues. More and more colleges are recognizing this and engaging in applied research community partnerships with Indigenous organizations as part of their commitment to social innovation and partner-driven research. At SAIT’s Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems, for example, researchers are working with the Stoney Nakoda First Nations and Alberta Health Services to develop a scalable drone fleet that can support medical delivery and amplify drone signals in remote areas.
Indigenous-Focused Programs & Support
As the primary postsecondary education providers for Indigenous learners from across Canada, colleges and institutes continually strive to listen, learn, and collaborate with Indigenous Peoples to enhance the educational experiences of Indigenous learners. We offer flexible learning formats and support services such as childcare, counselling, and mentorship, along with nearly 300 Indigenous-focused programs and courses across Canada’s ten provinces and territories.
Through CICan’s national programs, such as Skills Compass, colleges and institutes are also making a significant impact by supporting Indigenous and newcomer youth not currently in education, employment, or training. The accessible initiative helps Indigenous youth develop essential skills and become career-ready and equips members with a Skills Compass Curriculum Framework—a lasting resource to help institutes tailor their programs to the unique needs of Indigenous youth.
Colleges and institutes also foster connections for Indigenous learners globally through Global Skills Opportunity (GSO). This initiative enables Canadian post-secondary students to gain new global skills, enhancing their resilience, adaptability, and readiness for success. For instance, I’M SIENT (International Mobility Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurs), funded under GSO at Sault College in Ontario, empowers Indigenous students by enhancing technical and analytical skills in collaboration with Indigenous entrepreneurs in Mexico’s Yucatan region.
Recognizing that Indigenous reconciliation is an ongoing journey, we remain committed to culturally responsive approaches. Through continued dedication, the potential for positive change and empowerment within Indigenous communities is immense.
Take Action:
Colleges and institutes can advance their commitment by joining the 72 institutions that have signed CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol.This protocol – created in 2014 – highlights the need for tailored structures and approaches to meet the educational needs of Indigenous peoples, supporting their self-determination and the socio-economic development of their communities.
To mark its 10th year anniversary and reflect on progress and stubborn gaps, CICan will be initiating a refresh of the protocol – and how to mobilize greater take by our member institutions – at our upcoming Indigenous Education Symposium in Halifax from October 27-29 that we are hosting in partnership with the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC).
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
May 21, 2024
Education is an Enabler of Change
What’s on My Mind? with Pari Johnston.
If there’s one thing on my mind, it’s change. Coming together to set priorities, coordinate, and share resources can help us prepare for it and manage it.
As an association, that’s why we bring together college and institute leaders through networking and capacity building events. It’s the strategic conversations we have that will help us define shared goals and focus solutions on big societal challenges.
Change can be intimidating. But I’m hopeful and optimistic.
As leaders in education, we’re going to do big, bold things.
Colleges and institutes are high value partners. We are educators; we are innovators; we are job creators; we are trusted partners; we are anchor institutions in our towns, cities, provinces, territories, and regions.
Our network prepares nearly 800,000 learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities with more than 10,000 programs across all sectors, conducts more than 8,000 applied research projects annually, and adds over $190B to Canada’s economy each year.
That’s the value of a college or institute education.
If we frame that impact around our big challenges – like providing sustainable and affordable housing, transitioning to clean energies, and driving productivity and industrial transformation – what we do ensures we have a skilled trades workforce to meet housing demand, ensures workers are equipped to thrive in green and digital industries, makes businesses more innovative, efficient, and productive, and more.
Our future prosperity depends on what we do collectively – not just for the learner, but for our country and communities. And, it ensures our transitions are just, fair, and equitable for all.
As leaders in education, a lot is going to be asked of us.
When we talk about the value of the college and institute sector, we should be asking ourselves what problems we’re solving. We need to think purposefully about the connection between what we teach and what we need in our workforce. That goes for the housing crisis as well as other challenges like responding to the energy transition, the needs of the care economy and digital transformation.
As institutions, what we can do is ensure that we create spaces – whether that’s in a traditional classroom, through online courses, in a mobile classroom, or using tech like virtual reality – spaces that meet talent and opportunities where they are at – especially in rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities. In other words, to ensure that all the talent we see in our towns, cities and communities is provided an opportunity to contribute to our economy and to our society.
It’s not just about the skills training, or the research, or the partnerships. It’s about what we can achieve when it all comes together in shared purpose.
The time for colleges and institutes is now.
Two weeks ago, we brought the sector together at our national conference – the largest event of its kind. Navigating change was very much on the agenda.
Our sector is under major pressures, 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. Still, there is a role for our sector to scale and connect institutional efforts to deliver on urgent national challenges.
In my keynote address, I shared my vision for a bold national agenda in which Canada’s publicly funded colleges and institutes are recognized as mission-critical partners. (Listen to my keynote podcast).
I’m left inspired by the new ways to collaborate that turn challenges into strengths and excited about the opportunity to develop a shared approach to our work that is intentional, integrated, and impactful.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
April 21, 2024
How Colleges and Institutes Can Drive Canada’s Housing Agenda
At a time when housing affordability and availability are among the most pressing challenges for Canadians, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its commitment to addressing these challenges head-on through its recent 2024 Housing Plan and Federal Budget. But they’re not in this fight alone. Colleges and institutes, deeply rooted in communities with a proven track record of innovation and adaptability, emerge as critical partners.
In case you missed it, here’s a summary of the key housing-related announcements impacting our sector:
New Loan Funding for Apartment Construction: Starting in 2025-26, the $15 billion Apartment Construction Loan Program opens to colleges and institutes, providing additional financial support.
Investment in Skilled Trades: $90 million for the Apprenticeship Service and $10 million for the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program aim to encourage Canadians to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Foreign Credential Recognition: $50 million, with a focus on streamlining recognition in construction to address skilled labour shortages in the construction sector.
GST Relief for Student Residences: Eligibility conditions for GST removal on new student residences relaxed for not-for-profit universities, public colleges, and school authorities.
Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund: $50 million allocated to launch this fund, administered by Next Generation Manufacturing Canada.
Harnessing the full potential of colleges and institutes will be key to realizing the success of these investments. Not only do they train, upskill and reskill Canada’s construction workforce, but they fast-track student housing developments and support innovative and sustainable solutions to build better homes faster. Let’s break that down.
Training Skilled Labour in Construction
A sustainable housing agenda hinges on a skilled workforce in the construction trades. Did you know building a typical home takes 30 different skilled trades and other on-site occupations? From designers to painters, plumbers to electricians, masons to roofers – it’s a huge effort! Right now, Canada faces a shortage of skilled labour, slowing its housing productivity. Build Force Canada highlights the need for around 350,000 workers over the next decade to accommodate growth and replace retiring workers. Our members are here to help.
To meet demand, Canada must tap into colleges and institutes’ vast array of specialized programs, including over 300 pre-apprenticeship programs in key fields. These programs are essential for equipping individuals of all generations with the necessary skills to build more homes. Program advisory committees, made up of industry and community representatives, ensure these programs align with evolving housing-sector needs, producing graduates ready to hit the ground running. Additionally, colleges and institutes will support the Government’s efforts by participating in integration services that leverage newcomer talent, such as federal credential recognition programs. Our members support international outreach strategies to recruit newcomers, facilitate credential and competency assessment, ensure recognition, and foster seamless integration into the labour market with wrap-around support. There’s also a concerted effort among institutions to develop tailored programs for traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women and Indigenous learners, to enhance diversity and access a broader talent pool.
Finally, our members are proposing a set of new immigration policies to better retain Canadian-trained talent in high-demand occupation areas, including a pilot pathway program to help international students access the trades. This program aims to enable students in trades programs or active registered apprentices to smoothly transition between academic and work periods and would be tailored to accommodate diverse training models across provinces.
Leading Practical and Innovative Partnerships to Expedite Student Accommodation
Colleges and institutes are addressing the pressing demand for student housing while easing the strain on the rental market. Through innovative partnerships with local developers and non-profit organizations, they’ve been delivering tailored solutions for their communities, such as redesigning existing spaces to expand on-campus housing and forming partnerships for affordable living spaces. Recent surveys led by CICan reveal significant investment—over 30% of our members are allocating more than $950 million to student housing projects, with 43% contemplating similar initiatives. Additionally, with 75% possessing available land, they stand as crucial partners in achieving Canada’s housing objectives.
Conducting Innovative Building Research
The need for innovative and sustainable solutions lies at the core of the housing agenda. It’s more than just constructing houses; it’s about building homes that provide immediate access and ensure long-term sustainability. Colleges and institutes are at the forefront of applied research in this area. Their state-of-the-art training facilities and cutting-edge research centres work with local businesses and industry to drive solutions like green building technologies and sustainable urban planning, benefiting both communities and the environment.
The Budget’s commitment to modernizing Canada’s research and innovation funding system, focusing on mission-driven research, could be Canada’s secret weapon in addressing the housing crisis. Now is the moment to harness our national applied research capacity to confront challenges, including building more homes better. Our members are key players in this space. They’re championing the adoption of emerging technologies and fostering innovation in sustainable construction practices, resulting in enhanced productivity. This expertise could support challenge-based research for greater impact in housing innovation. College and institute research centres are well-suited for a mission-driven research approach, given their strong industry partnerships and networks, demand-driven ethos and trades-related academic programs in an applied research environment.
A Call to Action: Leveraging Colleges and Institutes for Success
To achieve its housing goals, the Government of Canada must leverage colleges and institutes by continuing to make necessary investments in these institutions for the homebuilding workforce development and housing innovation. We’re ready and eager to partner. Together, we can make a bold and meaningful impact.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
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.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
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.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
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 TrendinFemale 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:
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.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
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 guideCommuting and Campuses: A Guide to Sustainable Transportation Solutionscan 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.
Home / Archive by category "Building Campuses of the Future" ( / Page 2)
February 23, 2024
Canada’s research and innovation group chat needs colleges and institutes
What’s on my mind? With Pari Johnston
As our innovation minister likes to say, today’s research is tomorrow’s economy. Last year’s Report on the Federal Research Support System (“the Bouchard Report”) made it clear that Canada needs a more strategic, multi- and interdisciplinary approach to mobilize the federal research and innovation ecosystem to address the country’s – and the world’s – most pressing challenges.
At Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Geographic Sciences, it means using topo-bathymetric LiDAR systems to survey land and water surfaces. Then, partnering with 3D Wave Design, an Indigenous-owned and operated 3D animation and communications company, to turn that information into digital storytelling.
It’s a perfect example of the future of challenge-driven research – mobilizing college and institute applied research expertise, their networks of partners across sectors, and state-of-the-art facilities to develop solutions for Canada’s biggest challenges.
In the case of NSCC and 3D Wave Design, the resulting maps can help local First Nations communities and governments better model the impacts of climate change – like rising sea levels and fluvial flooding – and identify where to place wind turbines as we transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
The time for colleges-led research is now
We’re at an important turning point for college-and-institute-led research, with urgent demands to address big public policy questions – things like providing sustainable and affordable housing, ensuring food security, preparing for and preventing large natural disasters, designing cities and spaces that respect our environment, transitioning to clean energies, and taking care of an aging population. Each of these areas is a strategic opportunity for colleges and institutes to be a bigger part of the solution, mobilizing their collective strengths and value-add partnerships in service of Canada’s most pressing problems.
Take healthcare, for example. At SAIT’s Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems, researchers are working with the Stoney Nakoda First Nations and Alberta Health Services to develop a scalable drone fleet that can support medical delivery and amplify drone signals in remote areas.
The immediate application of a project like this means that rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities have better, more reliable access to life-saving healthcare. With a wider lens, in a world where natural disasters occur more frequently and with greater intensity – just last year we saw Canada’s worst-ever wildfire season – this type of solution can be scaled to conduct hazard & risk assessments for emergency response, support first responders, and provide real-time intelligence for emergency decision makers.
Global challenges are shared challenges
College and institute research intensity is growing at a rate of nearly 30% each year. In real numbers, that’s equal to more than 8,000 applied research projects (in 2021-2022) in areas like housing construction and advanced manufacturing, climate-smart agriculture and food production, and social innovation. That impact, relevance, and reach translates into real benefits for Canadians and for the long-term sustainability of Canadian industry.
The other piece of the puzzle is that wicked problems cross borders. In a context of geopolitical disruption and the imperative of decarbonization, Canada’s open economy is evolving, industries and global supply chains are being redefined, and technologies like AI are accelerating the pace of change and shifting where business is done.
Being globally competitive is a key driver of Canada’s prosperity, and college and institute applied research generates intellectual property that stays in the hands of Canadian industry partners, a unique advantage. Services like those offers by Durham College’s Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship work with Canadian SMEs to help protect Canadian IP for Canadian economic benefit. For small businesses and entrepreneurs (the backbone of the Canadian economy), it’s a comprehensive suite of services that builds stronger, better prepared, and more competitive Canadian innovators.
The recently launched federal Lab to Market program is another opportunity for college and institute networks to be strong partners in helping businesses get Canadian innovations to market at home and abroad.
As leaders in applied research, we should be proud of where we’ve come and the impact we continue to have across the country. In many ways, the strengths that got us here are the ones that will prepare us for the future. But we can do more if we think differently about investing.
I’m reminded of the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) led by Niagara College. It’s a model that brings institutions together – now with nine college and two university members involved – to better serve industry through a single point of access. With expertise ranging from automation and simulation to product testing and process optimization, the network has already worked with more than 300 industry partners on 460 projects in Southern Ontario with aspirations for national reach and scale.
SONAMI is a microcosm of our larger network – one in which colleges and institutes support each other, share best practices to maximize return on investment, and explore new models that turn competitors into collaborators and play to unique advantages. The immediate impact strengthens businesses in the region; the bigger picture revolutionizes industry for a low-carbon future.
We need to better tell our impact story
These are just some of the reflections I’ve had coming out of CICan’s National Applied Research Symposium, “Growing Impact”. As a new president, I was inspired to see over 160 college and institute applied research leaders and their partners in Ottawa sharing their visions – and their collaborative ethos – for greater scale and impact.
We plan to do more to use CICan’s convening power to bring our sector together with other ecosystem partners to think creatively about solutions, to find shared purpose and reimagine research and innovation programming through an impact lens. In other words, to change what we thought we knew or thought was possible.
Together we can change our impact narrative, so that when governments, research funders, economic modellers and policy makers are looking ten years down the road and planning for research and innovation-driven growth, we are the ones leading the group chat.
We have too much to share and there is too much at stake.
To provide the best experience, we use technologies like cookies to store, access, and process personal data such as your visits to this website, IP addresses, and cookie identifiers. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
