Category: Building Campuses of the Future

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November 28, 2022

If you build it, they will come. (SDG 9)

Infrastructure. It brings to mind huge public projects like roads, subways, bike lanes, water supply, electrical grids, and telecommunications. But, public infrastructure encompasses everything that we deem critical for our cities, countries, economies, and households to function. Now what about the elements we deem critical to function sustainably?

SDG 9 challenges us to build resilient infrastructure in a way that promotes sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation. Did you know that there are over 140 publicly supported colleges and institutes in the country with a total of nearly 700 campuses located within 50km of over 95% of Canadians and over 86% of Indigenous people? The role our members play in their communities goes well beyond post-secondary credentials – they provide everything from newcomer support to R&D services to local industry.

  • Our network’s footprint is unmatched, so investing in college and institute infrastructure has a direct, local impact in communities across the country, in a variety of areas.

Infrastructure is deeply tied to our ability to innovate and grow sustainably. As Canada’s largest post-secondary network, our members have over 300 shovel-ready infrastructure projects (valued at over $3.5 billion) 62% of which include renovations, repairs, and retrofits to improve energy efficiency and reduce campus GHG emissions.

We are also vital community hubs that lead social and economic development across the country. Investing in colleges and institutes as infrastructure projects brings net-zero leadership directly to campuses across the country, while continuing to deliver cutting-edge green skills training accessible for all Canadians, where they live. In the context of Budget 2023:

  1. To build the next generation of campus infrastructure, we recommend: Creating a new Green Postsecondary Infrastructure Fund, with a minimum of $500 million a year over five years being dedicated to helping colleges achieve net zero emission campuses. (SDG 13)
  2. To support a net-zero economy, we recommend: Undertaking an inventory of critical strategic skills infrastructure to ensure that Canada has the training space available to meet the needs of key economic sectors. (SDG 8 & SDG 13)
  3. To bring the future to all communities, we recommend: Investing $100M over five years in a new network of 50 College Sustainability Centres across Canada to leverage college and institute assets including campus infrastructure, industry, and community partnerships to meet Canada’s net zero goals. (SDG 9 & SDG 13)

Must read: Canada needs futureproofing; colleges and institutes are the solution. We have seven recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee of Finance (FINA) as part of its most recent round of pre-budget consultations.

For further reading:

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October 31, 2022

We believe a strong network of colleges and institutes is a vital public good

Let’s get real about “recovery”! Since the start of the pandemic, society has undergone (and is still undergoing) a huge shift – and it isn’t getting any easier. Facing inflation, labour shortages, large-scale economic transformations, and a climate crisis, we need a good plan to rebuild Canada’s workforce, address inequality, and transition to a net-zero economy. Where do colleges and institutes fit into all this?

We believe a strong network of colleges and institutes is a vital public good. Colleges and institutes make learning accessible to everyone in their communities, no matter their background or circumstances. As partners in innovation, they make space for every innovator. And as skills providers, they make sure that everyone has an opportunity to find meaningful employment.

We make sure colleges and institutes see themselves in the national agenda, and that the federal government sees our members in theirs. That’s what budget season is all about. This year, we have seven recommendations to ensure decisions makers in Ottawa can tap into the expertise and maximize the potential of Canada’s largest postsecondary network.

  1. To drive business and community innovation, we recommend: Doubling the impact of the Tri-Council College and Community Innovation Program through a new $331M investment over five years, with a permanent increase of $85M per year ongoing. (SDG 9)
  2. To build a futureproof workforce, we recommend: Adopting measures to address systemic labour shortages now and into the future. (SDG 8)
    • This includes developing career road maps for key industries, re-aligning federal training and learning programs to support employment transitions, and creating permanent residency streams for international students.
  3. To build the next generation of campus infrastructure, we recommend: Creating a new Green Postsecondary Infrastructure Fund, with a minimum of $500 million a year over five years being dedicated to helping colleges achieve net zero emission campuses. (SDG 13)
  4. To support a net-zero economy, we recommend: Undertaking an inventory of critical strategic skills infrastructure to ensure that Canada has the training space available to meet the needs of key economic sectors. (SDG 8 & SDG 13)
  5. To bring the future to all communities, we recommend: Investing $100M over five years in a new network of 50 College Sustainability Centres across Canada to leverage college and institute assets including campus infrastructure, industry, and community partnerships to meet Canada’s net zero goals. (SDG 9 & SDG 13)
  6. To keep our commitment to Reconciliation, we recommend: Working with national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous institutes, colleges and universities to address ongoing barriers to postsecondary education for Indigenous peoples and to integrate land-based learning and Indigenous ways of knowing in postsecondary programs. (SDG 4 & SDG 10)
  7. To support a global future, we recommend: Increasing support to developing countries to build capacity in their skills development systems, recognizing the critical role education and skills training play in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Help share the college and institute story in Ottawa and beyond! Now is the time to reach out to your local members of parliament to share how we can maximize the impact of colleges and institutes and help make Canada futureproof.

  • Ask your partners to be vocal too! (The more of us speaking up, the more likely we are to be heard).
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October 3, 2022

Artificial Intelligence is here, and it’s growing (SDG 8 & SDG 9)

You may not think about it, but artificial intelligence impacts our lives every day. But what is AI, anyways? It’s not all robots and self-driving cars. The theories of AI and Big Data allow businesses, organizations, and government to analyze huge data sets to identify patterns, trends, and other information that can help them make better decisions.

AI is here, and it’s growing (hastened in many ways by the pandemic). In fact, the Harvard Business Review reported last year that 52% of companies accelerated their AI adoption plans because of the COVID pandemic. Eight-six percent said that AI (once considered science-fiction) was becoming a mainstream technology at their company in 2021. That represents a huge transformation in business, labour, and skills.

Did you know that colleges and institutes offer almost 50 programs in AI, Big Data, data analytics, and machine learning in a range of stackable microcredentials, diplomas, certificates, and specialized post-graduate degrees? These programs ensures that new opportunities to upgrade or reskill are available to all learners, and that the businesses can find qualified workers to meet sector demand.

  • At Cégep de Sainte-Foy, the Technical Specialization in Artificial Intelligence teaches learners to perform technical tasks related to AI like preparing and processing data, implementing an AI method, and preparing AI solutions for production. This program was developed jointly with Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne and is taught fully online by both institutions.
  • At NorQuest College, the Machine Learning Analyst diploma program focuses on fundamental skills in AI and machine learning, like data analytics and computer programming and explores strategies to develop competitive business solutions. This flexible, industry-aligned program is offered through both in-person and hyflex delivery and includes an opportunity for work-integrated learning.
  • At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics is a post-graduate certificate that prepares students to work in data analysis and machine learning focusing on topics like cost and benefit estimation for process change and ethical issues surrounding big data.
  • The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Suite of courses at Yukon University is an introduction to the science behind AI systems, key definitions, processes, techniques, AI ethics, and more. This series of microcredentials is offered in partnership with Ed2go and takes only 48 hours to complete!
  • At Nova Scotia Community College, Business Intelligence and Analytics prepares students to manage, mine, and filter big data and apply analytical techniques in support of critical business decision-making. This program is offered in a blended in-person and online delivery model.
  • At BCIT, Business Information Technology Management (with an option in Artificial Intelligence Management) trains workers for positions managing AI, machine learning, and business intelligence solutions. The program focuses on things like AI business models, AI ethics, machine learning for business, and natural language processing.
  • At Assiniboine Community College, four microcredentials in AI machine learning, blockchain and the cloud help students better understand the technologies shaping the way contemporary businesses operate. Each microcredential is self-paced and takes no more than six weeks to complete.

But skills are only part of our new AI landscape. There’s also huge potential for growth through innovative business solutions. Some estimates predict that AI could add almost $16 trillion to global GDP by 2030.

SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) challenges us to do more to upgrade and retrofit industries to make them sustainable and foster innovation. Colleges and institutes help business and industry partners tap into the potential of new technologies through applied research and with specialized centres of excellence.

The AI landscape is changing our understanding of what is possible, and colleges and institutes are key players in that.

Read more: While the world of technology opens access and opportunity for us all, it also comes with the requirement to remain vigilant. Protecting networks, information, systems, and infrastructure is now an essential part of keeping all Canadians and Canadian businesses safe.

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September 19, 2022

Colleges and institutes are leaders in the transition to a green economy (SDG 8 & SDG 13)

Canadians have been waiting for a new plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years under the Net-Zero Accountability Act. The official 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is now here. But what’s in it and what does it mean?

Bold, specific, ambitious, and achievable is how Justin Trudeau described the new plan, which outlines a sector-by-sector approach to reduce emissions to 40% below 2005 levels. That means things like greening homes and buildings, switching to electric vehicles, adopting greener technologies, and empowering communities to take climate action.

While some Canadians may be anxious about the future and about what a green shift might mean for jobs, colleges and institutes are the key to making sure this transition is successful and inclusive.

With around 15% of the current labour force (that’s more than three million jobs) anticipated to face a green-skills transformation, it’s important that workers – and future generations of workers – are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a green economy. Colleges and institutes are already putting a solution into action.

Submission: Colleges and institutes are a vital part of Canada’s sustainable jobs agenda. We have three recommendations to better navigate the transition to a green economy.

Through reimagined, high-quality, and innovative programming, colleges and institutes train young people, mid-career workers, and support businesses as they innovate. As the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is implemented, we need to keep these strengths top of mind.

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May 16, 2022

Representation is an essential part of treating everyone with dignity and equality (SDG 10)

Earlier this month, Canada made history by becoming the first country in the world to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people! This type of data is so important not only because it allows all Canadians to see themselves in national statistics, but also because it helps to fill a long-standing information gap on gender diversity. So, what did we learn?

Of the nearly 30.5 million people in Canada aged 15 and older, 100,815 identified as transgender or non-binary. (That amounts to about one in 300). Non-binary and transgender people are younger on average than cisgender people. (Just under 1 in 100 young adults aged 20 to 24 identified as non-binary or transgender). A majority of non-binary individuals in Canada live in an urban setting. (Just over half of non-binary people aged 15 and older reported living in one of Canada’s six largest urban centres).

This census update is a big step in representation on a national scale. At the community level, colleges and institutes are a natural fit for local support, gender-related resources and training, and positive spaces!

May 17 is also the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia, a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities!

  • Did you know May 17 marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization took the long overdue step of declassifying ‘homosexuality’ as a mental disorder?
  • Make sure to join us for the next episode of Perspective LIVE! (read below)

Pride is about community, visibility, and celebrating being true to yourself. Representation is an essential part of treating everyone – whether someone identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, non-binary or uses other terms to describe who they are – with dignity and equality!

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April 4, 2022

Our planet, our health

At last! Canadians have been waiting for a new plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years under the Net-Zero Accountability Act. The official 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is now here. But what’s in it and what does it mean?

Bold, specific, ambitious, and achievable is how Justin Trudeau described the new plan, which includes $9.1 billion in new investments to cut pollution and grow the economy. That means things like greening homes and buildings, switching to electric vehicles, adopting greener technologies, and empowering communities to take climate action.

So, how can Canada’s colleges and institutes help?

  1. We’re going net-zero on campus! With the largest post-secondary footprint in the country, our collective engagement goes a long way. At more than 670 locations, we pledged to achieved net-zero emissions on campus by 2050.
  • See what we mean: many examples of net-zero and LEED-certified campus facilities, learning environments, and research centres already exist. These buildings are real examples of energy efficiency. They give students the opportunity to learn in real environments and practice using technologies on the leading edge of sustainable design.
  1. Budget 2022 is coming this week (on April 7: Stay tuned for our analysis)! We know there’s a role for colleges and institutes to drive the green transition both in Canada and abroad.
  • At home, we recommended Canada establish a Green Postsecondary Infrastructure Fund with a minimum of $400 million a year over five years dedicated to helping colleges and institutes reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campuses.
  • Abroad, we recommended Canada increase funding to support skills training that equips people in developing countries to work in the green economy and tackle climate change. (For example, programs like Education for Employment).
  • Reminder: “The Next Step Forward”is our submission to pre-budget consultations. We have six recommendations to make Canada future-proof, including this one!
  1. We also have a plan to turn campuses into living labs!

April 7 is World Health Day. 

This year’s theme is “Our planet, our heath” and recognizes the interconnectedness of good health and well-being (SDG 3) and climate action (SDG 13). At CICan, we align everything we do with the Sustainable Development Goals because they help ensure that our actions contribute to positive change for people, communities, and the planet.

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March 21, 2022

Voices for action against racism

That’s the theme of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It calls on people everywhere to strengthen and consolidate their voices against racism, to mobilise against all forms and all manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure a safe environment for those who speak up.

Why March 21? Each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination marks the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

As educators, colleges and institutes play a vital role in combatting systemic racism and discrimination. In areas like healthcare and public safety, they ensure that workers are given tools to protect public spaces against injustice, now and in the future.

As institutions, we also recognize that systemic racism and discrimination exist in Canada and have work to do to address the challenges to success that Black students, Indigenous students, Asian students, and other visible minorities often face.

It’s not enough to be “not racist.” Anti-racism means that we must reflect on unconscious biases and institutional and structural policies that allow racism to exist, and consistently work to identify and dismantle them.

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November 8, 2021

There is no future without net-zero

A new report from a Berlin-based think tank ranks Canada’s per-capita carbon emissions among the highest in the world. This is not the record we want to be setting. We need to get serious about reducing emissions, in a big way, now. Canada needs leadership and colleges and institutes are stepping up. At more than 670 locations, we pledge to achieve net-zero emissions on campus by 2050!

With the largest post-secondary footprint in the country, our collective engagement goes a long way. Zero emissions on campus is an ambitious goal, but not out of reach. In fact, many examples of net-zero and LEED-certified campus facilities, learning environments, and research centres already exist!

These buildings practice what they preach, quite literally. They are real examples of energy efficiency. And, they give students the opportunity to learn skills in real environments and practice their skills with real technologies on the leading edge of sustainable design.

  • Know another net-zero campus building not listed here? Be vocal! Share your examples and our pledge on social media using the hashtag #ClimateAction.

As a country, we are heading in the net-zero direction. As a sector, we are standing out. We are future-proofing industries, skills, learners, and the economy; and there is no future without net-zero.

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July 26, 2021

Beyond good intentions to action

Did you know that McKinsey & Company’s widely-cited 2015 Diversity Matters report found that companies with greater gender or racial and ethnic diversity among employees were more likely to have financial returns above their national industry medians? McKinsey’s 2018 follow up, Delivering through Diversity, confirmed the correlation. The point is that committing to structures that empower diverse groups isn’t only an ethical and moral imperative, it’s also a good business decision. Win-win, right?

Pathways to many professions begin with post-secondary education, and so must the commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). In fact, many colleges and institutes stand out as leaders in the sector on policies, programs, and initiatives that foster an institution-wide culture of EDI:

Leaders in the field, these four institutions have also been instrumental in laying the foundation of our new national initiative sharing best practices and promoting a coordinated approach to a culture of inclusion specific to colleges and institutes: ImpAct-EDI!

  • As the national association with a mission to strengthen the system, we aim to bring together colleges and institutes from across the country in collaboration, sharing, learning, and amplifying in everything we do.
  • We also know many other colleges and institutes are already leaders in their communities. Stay tuned for more on this initiative to learn from each other and strengthen EDI at the national level, and for an opportunity to be a part of our new EDI Community of Practice and National Advisory Committee!
  • In case you missed it: Watch Perspectives LIVE “Amplifying BIPOC voices : representation, visibility, and opportunity,” for a look at the role of post-secondary institutions in addressing systemic racism in Canada and the steps that institutions can take to move from celebrating diversity to driving meaningful change.

We’re also proud to have marked a major milestone in diversity and concrete steps towards gender equity and greater inclusion at the highest level within our association. We’ve surpassed our goals as part of 50-30 Challenge!

  • The challenge encourages Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

We’re serious about EDI, not only as an ethical and moral responsibility, but also as necessary for sustainable recovery. We have an opportunity now as individuals and as a sector to address structural and systemic barriers to inclusion in ways that move beyond good intentions to action.