Ottawa, June 16, 2022 – As Canadian colleges and institutes emerge from the global pandemic, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is pleased to share a brand-new vision for its approach to international education and development. CICan’s new three-year International Strategy works to futureproof the Canadian college and institute network through internationalization and global engagement.
Developed following extensive consultation with both member institutions and partners from outside the college and institute sector, the new International Strategy officially began implementation in April and complements CICan’s existing 2019-2024 Strategic Plan: Strengthening the System.
The strategy will support CICan members as they pursue new opportunities in international education across three pillars: futureproofing Canada; bringing the world to Canada; taking Canada to the world. It will enhance outbound student mobility and help Canadian students develop highly sought-after global skills, diversify student recruitment, build the capacity of members to implement their internationalization strategies, and strengthen international cooperation with new models for business development.
The Strategy is aligned with CICan’s commitment the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). In particular, it supports colleges and institutes as they continue to champion inclusive and equitable access to Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
The strategy also provides new and revised frameworks for collaboration between institutions in Canada and abroad to help achieve stronger Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
“The world is a very different place than it was only two years ago. Our members are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic with a great repository of new knowledge, insight, and innovation that they are ready to share around the world. This new strategy will guide the college and institute sector and ensure that our work contributes to a more equitable and sustainable world.”
Denise Amyot, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
CICan is the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network. It advocates, builds capacity, and drives knowledge to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. 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 future-proof communities in Canada and abroad.
We respectfully acknowledge that CICan’s office in Ottawa is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Phone: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan