Ottawa, October 26, 2021 – Denise Amyot, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada issued the following statement on the new federal cabinet.
“On behalf of colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics across Canada, I would like to congratulate all the federal ministers who were sworn in today and will be charged with leading our country at this critical moment.”
“We look forward to collaborating with the federal government, and all departments, to support a resilient and sustainable recovery. By working together, we can help Canadian workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic retrain or upskill in order to re-enter the labour market and support Canada’s economic growth.”
“As key providers of applied research, colleges and institutes also occupy an essential place in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and have proven time and again that they can deliver practical solutions to all kinds of challenges. In 2019-2020 alone, they were involved in over 8000 research partnerships, the majority of which involved SMEs. These are the backbone of Canada’s economy, but often lack the resources and expertise to conduct the research and development necessary to take their businesses to the next level.”
“Colleges and institutes are also focused on supporting a green economy, both by teaching the sustainability skills needed in a rapidly changing labour market, and supporting the innovations required to achieve Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
“As borders re-open, colleges and institutes also have a critical role to play welcoming newcomers to Canada, including international students. Colleges and institutes represent the fastest-growing level of study for international students in Canada, accounting for just under half of all study permit holders at the post-secondary level. They are also key providers of immigrant support services, including English and French language training, employment related services, and connections to employers via work-integrated learning opportunities in programs targeted to the local labour market.”
For more information about CICan’s current priorities, please consult our latest submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance where we outline our recommendations. You can also see our latest report on the role of newcomers and international students in driving Canadian economic growth.
CICan has also created an online hub for members of the 44th Parliament, with key information and reports on how Canada’s colleges and institutes can support Canadian communities, as well as the new government.
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. CICan’s members add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 10,000 programs to learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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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