{"id":19460,"date":"2025-09-16T19:51:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T19:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/?post_type=rbc_tl&#038;p=19460\/building-the-future-what-to-watch-as-build-canada-homes-takes-shape"},"modified":"2025-10-14T15:48:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T15:48:35","slug":"testing-times-fending-off-a-crisis-in-canadian-postsecondary-education","status":"publish","type":"rbc_tl","link":"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/thought-leadership\/skills\/testing-times-fending-off-a-crisis-in-canadian-postsecondary-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Testing Times: Fending off a crisis in Canadian postsecondary education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>Canada is embarking on a major economic pivot and the country\u2019s colleges and universities need to be a key driver in that transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The postsecondary system has long been an important part of the Canadian identity. It has driven discoveries, delivered accessible, quality education and provided economic anchor institutions in communities across the country, underpinning progress and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the sector is not as strong as it once was, and its role in building Canada\u2019s future is under threat. Many colleges and universities are financially unstable, and the sector is often perceived as unresponsive to economic needs; these issues are mutually reinforcing. Postsecondary institutions across Canada are closing programs and campuses and reducing staff to bring temporary budgetary relief. But broader policy and funding changes are needed to ensure the sector\u2019s sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the country\u2019s economy, postsecondary needs to pivot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier this year, we released a report as part of our Growth Project: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/thought-leadership\/the-growth-project\/a-smarter-path-the-case-for-postsecondary-education-reform\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-8b7d771f\" data-dig-label=\"A Smarter&nbsp; Path\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">A Smarter&nbsp;Path<\/a>. We offered recommendations to improve the sector\u2019s relevance, including integrating work and real-world experiences into programs and enabling private-sector investment in research and development. Over the summer, RBC Thought Leadership and partners dug deeper, engaging leaders to delve into higher education\u2019s role in addressing Canada\u2019s economic growth challenges.<sup><a href=\"#legal-1\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-46facc9b\" data-dig-label=\"1\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">1<\/a><\/sup> The message was clear: the sector is facing a crisis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moved by this urgency, we identified five requirements that are critical to reforming the postsecondary sector and ensuring its relevance to Canada\u2019s new economic strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-898807223deddfd4ba6dfcc90c9c56b1\" id=\"h-1-a-new-financial-arrangement\">1. A new financial arrangement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>A strong postsecondary sector requires sufficient, stable financing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Public spending on Canadian colleges and universities has been steadily decreasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Once a global leader in both funding and attainment rates<sup><a href=\"#legal-2\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-94076cce\" data-dig-label=\"2\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">2<\/a><\/sup>, public spending on postsecondary institutions in Canada has fallen from 1.47% of GDP at its height in 2011, to the current OECD average of 1.1%.<sup><a href=\"#legal-3\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-e49d1fb0\" data-dig-label=\"3\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">3<\/a><\/sup> Canada is not the only country to reduce spending but \u201cfew countries have seen declines as sustained and as wide-ranging as we have&nbsp;,\u201d<sup><a href=\"#legal-4\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-2b559ba2\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"4\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">4<\/a><\/sup> according to a report.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>As a percentage of GDP growth, public spending is $13 billion short of where it was 15 years ago.<sup><a href=\"#legal-5\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-d98d6674\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"5\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">5<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Domestic tuition has not helped make up for the growing shortfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Provincial governments essentially set tuition levels for most programs by placing caps on what providers can charge; under the current caps, most undergraduates are paying roughly what they would have paid 10 years ago for the same program.<sup><a href=\"#legal-6\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-7590c512\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"6\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">6<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Partly as a result, Canadian students often encounter very large classes which help to subsidize more expensive programs\u2013like medicine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Unregulated international student tuition has been a lifeline for some institutions and subsidized domestic student programming<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Between 2010 and 2023, international student tuition was responsible for 100% of new operating revenue in the sector.<sup><a href=\"#legal-7\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-d8646c3d\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"7\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">7<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>But in 2024, the federal government capped intake on permit applications and restricted post-graduate work permit eligibility\u2014a major draw for many international students\u2014to college programs linked to national labour shortages.<sup><a href=\"#legal-8\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-951f28ed\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"8\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">8<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Ontario has been hit particularly hard: six institutions are reporting more than $140 million in financial damage\u2014losses, cuts and deficits\u2014since 2024.<sup><a href=\"#legal-9\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-6aeee45e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"9\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">9<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>By one count, there have been more than 850 program suspensions or closures at institutions since the caps were introduced, and 35 institutions reporting 100 or more job impacts.<sup><a href=\"#legal-10\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-02695eeb\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"10\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">10<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The federal list of programs eligible for post-graduate work permits has changed multiple times in the span of a year<sup><a href=\"#legal-11\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-da4e3452\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"11\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">11<\/a><\/sup> making it difficult for institutions to plan.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Without a new financial arrangement, institutions are forced to make decisions with their viability in mind, rather than the country\u2019s prosperity. These decisions will have important implications for education quality and access, especially in rural communities where workforce shortages are already acute, as well as the country\u2019s ability to retain top talent.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-8e19b90133dcd79ef273f8fe0f3a4b1c\" style=\"border-radius:7px\"><strong>We see a few options to bring stability to the sector:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Increase public spending on postsecondary. That could include more provincial spending, more federal spending, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Government funding could be tied to specific criteria or outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>One idea raised in our cross-country conversations was to explore a new funding arrangement between the federal government and Canada\u2019s U15\u2013our leading research universities. Participants considered whether Canada could issue special funding to advance research in areas of national interest, potentially freeing up more provincial funding for redistribution.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>But given Canada\u2019s aging population and competing calls for funding in priority areas like health care, the level of investment needed is unlikely to come from government alone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Another option is to create a larger role for student fees. Offering institutions more flexibility when it comes to tuition could bring a needed influx of funding that stabilizes budgets and encourages a new level of responsiveness to evolving student learning preferences and labour market needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Greater tuition flexibility would mean higher rates for those who can afford it. To maintain access for those who cannot, provinces together with the federal government should ensure robust financial assistance systems remain in place. Institutions could also be required to reserve a share of tuition revenue for means-tested student aid.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>If international student fee revenue is to continue playing a significant role in funding institutions (as it has for colleges), Canada will need to offer more stable targets that balance a national interest in aligning immigration with forecasted skills needs with an institution\u2019s need for longer-term institutional planning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0ad11f6e5fe801cd3acfb6e740b28764\" id=\"h-2-responsive-mandates\">2. Responsive mandates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>With greater financial footing, institutions can play a more strategic role in Canada\u2019s economic pivot\u2014advancing specific priorities. They will be better positioned to do that with mandates that respond to more distinct learner or industry needs. As we noted in <em>A Smarter Path<\/em>, \u201cwe neither need nor can we afford to have every institution offering the same menu.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>From afar, Canada\u2019s postsecondary system looks highly differentiated. It includes universities, colleges, institutes, polytechnics, trade unions and employers involved in apprenticeships, as well as additional and sub-categorizations of providers in some provinces.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>But the distinctions between some of these labels are murky. The system has long been accused of having an \u201cacademic drift\u201d towards sameness, with the university model serving as the goal.<sup><a href=\"#legal-12\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-d15d7412\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"12\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">12<\/a><\/sup> These pursuits have been at least partially motivated by a need to generate revenue within the confines described above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The recent growth in college bachelor\u2019s degrees, and the push for master\u2019s-level offerings are examples.<sup><a href=\"#legal-13\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-f5a08bf3\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"13\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">13<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The style of applied, industry-driven learning that Canadian colleges are known for is expensive to deliver\u2013often requiring technical equipment and small class sizes. With a new funding arrangement, colleges could provide more of this training for Canadians of all ages, including adult learners in need of skills upgrading and youth pursuing careers in the skilled trades where there are persistent labour shortages.<sup><a href=\"#legal-14\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-83ea950b\" data-dig-label=\"14\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">14<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Within the broad categorizations of colleges and universities, institutions can lean into thematic strengths and develop unique reputations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>A couple of examples where this is happening to some degree: Lambton College\u2019s collaboration with the local petrochemical industry, and Royal Roads University\u2019s experimentation with flexible learning models.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Responding quickly to industry and community training needs will continue to be an essential part of Canada\u2019s economic transition and presents opportunities for institutions with aligned mandates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Plans to fast track major energy projects, for instance, will need to overcome large, technical skill gaps in rural and northern parts of the country.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Canada\u2019s armed forces are suffering severe skills shortages in aviation, search and rescue and technicians, to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Of more than 1,000 Canadian adults surveyed recently, less than half felt they could use AI tools effectively, and less than a quarter indicated having received AI training,<sup><a href=\"#legal-15\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-1006cfde\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"15\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">15<\/a><\/sup> pointing to opportunities for adult upskilling programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Providing more control over tuition\u2014and creating market competition\u2014might naturally lead institutions toward greater differentiation and specialization.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Better data to inform planning would also help illuminate opportunities to specialize and do so strategically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Compared to other jurisdictions, Canada tracks little information about how our education has been functioning, let alone information that would enable foresight about where it needs to go.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>With better data, institutions could examine, for example, whether certain demographics of students have more success with some program formats than others. And when it comes to lifelong learning, institutions could gain insight into how credentials complement one another or stack together to impact career advancement in specific industries.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-4e5de54cc6b405e2d3d14a950a9ffff3\" style=\"border-radius:7px\"><strong>We see opportunities for institutions to be more responsive, including:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Updating institutional mandates in ways that play to and develop their unique strengths and meet specific labour force needs (for example, by concentrating on industries or learner demographics).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The federal government plans to launch new Workforce Alliances of employers, unions and industry groups, focused on skill development in \u201csectors under pressure\u201d like energy and advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Postsecondary providers with relevant mandates should be at these tables, and quick to respond with relevant programming.<sup><a href=\"#legal-16\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-92444040\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"16\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">16<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>For provincial governments: playing a coordination role, ensuring institutional mandates complement one another and align with social and economic needs, creating incentives for institutions to develop and lean into thematic strengths.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>For the federal government: engaging the provinces in developing regulations to standardize data collection and offering consistent, up-to-date, granular data that allows for program-level analysis and student-level outcomes tracking.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a07a15a8e054744952ec675a88395239\" id=\"h-3-modernized-programs-and-services\">3. Modernized programs and services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>College and university programs and services need to be more aligned with the world of work and the opportunities available to graduates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Traditional education models make less sense in a context where AI and access to information is ubiquitous. We need to rethink what and how students learn and demonstrate learning; educators have traditionally focused on ensuring students can answer tough questions, we should be equally concerned with whether they can ask creative ones.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Analytical thinking, flexibility and agility, are the most sought-after skills among employers and have been for some time.<sup><a href=\"#legal-17\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-ca512be8\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"17\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">17<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Industry leaders emphasized entrepreneurial thinking, communication, and a basic awareness of how businesses operate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>All programs should be helping students develop and hone these skills, which are best gained in dynamic learning contexts that weave in real-world scenarios, for example, through applied projects, co-ops or internships.<sup><a href=\"#legal-18\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-45664c56\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"18\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Demands for technological skills, including AI and big data, are fastest growing.<sup><a href=\"#legal-19\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-7c615a9d\" data-dig-label=\"19\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">19<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Canada needs its postsecondary programs to produce graduates who are competent technology users; to know when and how to leverage AI to increase productivity, while being aware of its limitations and risks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Institutions need to reckon with technology and AI themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Canadian organizations of all kinds, including government,<sup><a href=\"#legal-20\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-8506f8b8\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"20\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">20<\/a><\/sup> are using AI to find efficiencies and improve client experiences, motivated, in part, by the costs of inaction.<sup><a href=\"#21\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-e6d7c769\" data-dig-label=\"21\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">21<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Home to some the country\u2019s top technology experts, postsecondary should be moving much faster, finding ways to integrate the latest technology in programs and supporting services to optimize student experiences, operational efficiency and program quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>There are good examples in other jurisdictions: Arizona State University built proactive student support systems based on predictive analytics<sup><a href=\"#legal-22\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-181736d2\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"22\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">22<\/a><\/sup> and is using AI to support student decision making with responsive career guidance.<sup><a href=\"#legal-23\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-29a4f3e8\" data-dig-label=\"23\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">23<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>As economic volatility becomes our new normal, lifelong learning needs to as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>This is a key priority for federal and provincial governments. For example, Canada is investing $450 million in reskilling,<sup><a href=\"#legal-24\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-ba3f5532\" data-dig-label=\"24\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">24<\/a><\/sup> and Alberta\u2019s new job strategy targets adults changing careers.<sup><a href=\"#legal-25\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-3736a68e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"25\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">25<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>More program offerings should reflect and appeal to mid-career adults in need of skills upgrading or retraining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>When faced with job disruptions, Canadians have tended to pursue short, career-focused programs, if any.<sup><a href=\"#legal-26\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-8af6944f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"26\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">26<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Appealing to adults in these situations means being mindful that they will likely be keen to get back to work as quickly as possible, likely have prior learning and experience to bring to the table, as well as competing priorities (like bills to pay and children to care for). They may prefer to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Competency-based programs have taken off in the U.S. but are rare in Canada. These programs award credentials based on demonstrated mastery, not the amount of time enrolled in a program.<sup><a href=\"#legal-27\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-f0612103\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"27\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">27<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-6ef5387463e4654af0bc1c179004aea6\" style=\"border-radius:7px\"><strong>We see tremendous opportunity and imperative for modernization, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Rethinking program content, delivery models, assessments, and instructor roles to optimize learning in a modern context.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Ensuring every program offers applied learning opportunities that develop transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, technology literacy and entrepreneurial thinking.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Leveraging technology and AI. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Training faculty and staff to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list pad-l mob-pad-l is-style-alphabetical-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Effectively integrate AI as part of the student experience (pen and paper assessments to avoid \u201ccheating\u201d with AI are missing the point)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Identify places where AI can relieve their own workload.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Offering technology-enhanced learning opportunities (e.g., hybrid and distance learning, simulations) and support services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Serving the needs of lifelong learners by presenting all credentials as steppingstones rather than discrete offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Expecting that students will return for education multiple times throughout their lives and making that process straightforward and rewarding\u2014this could include experimenting with new models like competency-based education.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3013b886d510c038395b03d1c9633575\" id=\"h-4-updated-governance-structures\">4. Updated governance structures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Being more responsive and modern requires more institutional flexibility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Externally, regulatory bodies and policy frameworks can be overly restrictive and work against the changes described above. As an example, Ontario\u2019s funding model discourages colleges from developing part-time programs that would appeal to adults in need of upskilling<sup><a href=\"#legal-28\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-a3c7ceaa\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"28\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">28<\/a><\/sup> and across Canada, qualifications and credentials frameworks centered on instructional hours discourage institutions from experimenting with individually-paced programs like competency-based education.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Internally, risk-averse institutional cultures, fragmented governance environments and restrictive collective agreements often layered with tenure, can impede leaders\u2019 ability to take decisive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>The processes involved with developing programs, revamping them or shutting them down to evolve in step with the world outside institutional walls are all very much informed (and paced) according to the structures inside those walls.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-3-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner border\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>A roundtable participant captured the situation well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>[Institutional leaders] are being asked to run institutions like businesses, but are still operating in a legal and regulatory structure designed for a public service model. It\u2019s completely mismatched.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>80% of revenue and 85% of expenses are controlled by someone else, two governing boards and four sets of stakeholders think they\u2019re the majority shareholder\u2014but none of them are. The institution is accountable to 200+ pieces of legislation. Meanwhile, industry is moving in weekly cycles. It\u2019s no wonder industry is losing faith in us. We&#8217;re bordering on obsolescence\u2014not because we aren\u2019t capable, but because we\u2019re structurally constrained.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-e4eea861ffd456e3f4a1b02e8310592e\" style=\"border-radius:7px\"><strong>We see a need to explore options to improve efficiency and flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Provincial governments could engage postsecondary leaders to understand and dismantle regulatory roadblocks, including exploring the ways in which professional regulatory bodies facilitate or inhibit responsiveness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Postsecondary leadership together with labour unions could review collective agreements and\/or governance and human resource policies\u2014striving for balance between job protection and institutional viability\u2014drawing on union experience and expertise to outline new expectations like modernized job tasks and teaching methods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6f1f43213251908b6c2027b027fe7249\" id=\"h-5-practical-mission-driven-research\">5. Practical, mission-driven research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Together, Canadian governments, postsecondary institutions and businesses need to do a better job of ensuring research advances national priorities, supporting Canadian communities and businesses with timely innovations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Compared to other advanced countries, including the U.S. and Japan, or the OECD average, Canada\u2019s spending on research and innovation is persistently low.<sup><a href=\"#legal-29\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-03fb2a8e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"29\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">29<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-black-disc pad-l mob-pad-l\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>A key reason for this is our business sector: largely made up of small- and medium-sized enterprises without research budgets<sup><a href=\"#legal-30\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-a5bd96bc\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"30\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">30<\/a><\/sup> and branches of multi-national companies whose head offices in other jurisdictions are driving innovation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>On the other hand, Canadian postsecondary spending on research is high compared to global peers.<sup><a href=\"#legal-31\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-c641db9a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"31\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">31<\/a><\/sup> Essentially our postsecondary sector is carrying the weight here; and given the stakes, could be oriented more strategically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Traditionally, success in postsecondary research is measured in terms of publication output and citations;<sup><a href=\"#legal-32\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-b5fd7f57\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"32\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">32<\/a><\/sup> often, government grants unintentionally encourage similar ideas and incremental change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Research often ends at the ideation phase with little incentive to push toward patents or commercialization; promising innovations and innovators go elsewhere, like Silicon Valley.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>For many institutions (and departments within them) advancing innovations, and ensuring they go beyond the ideation phase, will require a reorientation\u2014from exploring topics to advancing goals\u2014and an openness to taking on research contracts with industry partners who have defined milestones and clear deliverables in mind.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>This is not to say there is no place for inquiry-driven research. Nobel Prize winning research by Geoffrey Hinton<sup><a href=\"#legal-33\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-b53785eb\" data-dig-label=\"33\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">33<\/a><\/sup> or Arthur McDonald<sup><a href=\"#legal-34\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-c2d123e8\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"34\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">34<\/a><\/sup> might not have been possible without such freedom. But mission-driven research needs to take new precedence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-018df52d505bfb6f44abbaad5f85f918\" style=\"border-radius:7px\"><strong>Opportunities to incentivize mission-driven Canadian postsecondary research include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Updating federal granting to incentivize research that produces intellectual property (IP) or advances national priorities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Focusing institutional research strategies (as part of updating mandates) to advance specific industries or public interests like health care, national defence, or food security.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Rewarding innovation and community impact in tenure and promotion processes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Experimenting with new approaches and collaborations\u2014Canada\u2019s defence spending commitments, for instance, offer a prime opportunity. A new Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS) could draw on academia and industry strengths to drive innovation, much like the Advance Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) in the U.K. or Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the U.S.\u2013both of which fund high-risk, high-reward projects, free from the typical political constraints and academic processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Industry coming to the table with more funding for research contracts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada is relying on its postsecondary sector to supply the skills and innovation needed for an economic transformation. Ensuring, the sector is up to the task will hinge, crucially, on a new funding arrangement. And that, may hinge on public support. Modernizing as set out above will help the sector&nbsp;grow social license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But this task should not fall entirely on postsecondary and policy makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers, expecting to benefit, need to be ready to engage and collaborate too: sharing information about job opportunities and skill expectations, shaping curricula and evaluating competencies, developing work-integrated learning opportunities, and funding research and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Educators in K-12 have a role to play as well. It is time guidance counsellors shed the outdated notion that skilled trades are less valuable than university degrees, and that degrees and diploma are the end point of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upskilling is no longer optional. It must be seen and described\u2014at levels of the education system and in the labour market\u2014as the new baseline for success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel mar-b mob-mar-b has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-1-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner mob-pad-t mob-pad-b pad-b pad-t\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p class=\"mob-mar-b-0 mar-b-0 has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36b9965d28eb7c8c5b7790e94cb99fb6\"><strong>Jackie Pichette<\/strong> is Director of Skills Policy, RBC Thought Leadership<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-dbl mob-pad-b-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-rbc-dark-blue-tint-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d17b7dc6e0c0be0de6687232cce6a339\" id=\"h-downlod-the-report\">Downlod the report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-border-color has-grey-border-color is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"572\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/09\/From-old-school-to-future-ready-report-Blog-Image_Download-PDF-RBC-TL.jpg?quality=80\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/09\/From-old-school-to-future-ready-report-Blog-Image_Download-PDF-RBC-TL.jpg 572w, https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/09\/From-old-school-to-future-ready-report-Blog-Image_Download-PDF-RBC-TL.jpg?resize=300,190 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mar-l mar-t-dbl\" id=\"h-download-the-report\">Download the report<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons  mar-l is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fc4fd283 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button btn before is-style-tertiary tertiary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/03\/Testing-Times-Fending-off-a-crisis-in-Canadian-postsecondary-education-RBC.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-d6846503\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Download-https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/03\/Testing-Times-Fending-off-a-crisis-in-Canadian-postsecondary-education-RBC.pdf \">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-legal-collapsible disclaimer pad-b-0 mob-pad-b-0 mar-b-0 mob-mar-b-0\" aria-label=\"Legal Disclaimers\"><div class=\"section-inner\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapseDisclaimer\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseDisclaimer\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-948bb65c\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"legal close\" data-dig-label=\"legal close\" action-closed=\"legal close\" action-opened=\"legal open\" label-close=\"legal open\" label-open=\"legal close\"><span>View Endnotes<\/span><span>Hide Endnotes<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapseDisclaimer\"><div class=\"collapse-inner\"><div class=\"table-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-1\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>1<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-1\">Thought Leadership co-hosted nine regional roundtables along with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable and Higher Education Strategy Associates between June and July, 2025 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Waterloo and Montreal + two virtually. We had follow-up interviews with business executives at a range of Canadian corporations. In total, we engaged more than 150 leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-2\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>2<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-2\">Statistics Canada. Study: Youth and education in Canada. Government of Canada. October 4, 2021.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-3\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>3<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-3\">Usher, A., Balfour, J. &amp; Jeon, J. The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada, 2025. Higher Education Strategy Associates. September, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-4\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>4<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-4\">Usher, et al., The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-5\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>5<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-5\">Usher, et al., The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-6\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>6<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-6\">Usher, et al., The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-7\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>7<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-7\">Usher, et al., The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-8\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>8<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-8\">Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply. <em>Government of Canada<\/em>. July 9, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-9\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>9<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-9\">Steele, K. Budget impacts. Eduvation. 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>10<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-10\">Steele, K., Budget impacts<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-11\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>11<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-11\">Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits. <em>Government of Canada.<\/em> July 4, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-12\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>12<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-12\">Doern, B. Polytechnics in Higher Education Systems: A comparative review and policy implications for Ontario. Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. 2008.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-13\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>13<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-13\">Ministry of Colleges, Universities Research Excellence and Security. Ontario Expanding Degree Options at Publicly Assisted Colleges. Ontario Newsroom. April 11, 2022. &amp; Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Education in Canada: Post-secondary. July 18, 2025. &amp; Davidson, M., Ruparell, S., Noble, L, Smith, I. The Future of Ontario\u2019s Workers. StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. June 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-14\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>14<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-14\">Su, S. Jin, H., Brown, J. Changes in the population of tradespeople between 2016 and 2021. Statistics Canada. September 26, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-15\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>15<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-15\">KPMG. Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025 \u2013 Canadian insights. July 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-16\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>16<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-16\">Prime Minister of Canada. Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries. September 5 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-17\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>17<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-17\">World Economic Forum. The future of jobs report 2025. 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January 2025.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-19\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>19<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-19\">World Economic Forum, Jobs report<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-20\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>20<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-20\">Prime Minister of Canada, New measures<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-21\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>21<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-21\">McKay, R. Bridging the imagination gap: How Canadian companies can become global leaders in AI adoption. RBC Thought Leadership. June 24, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-22\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>22<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-22\">Pirehpour, K. Elevating student learning through data-driven insights. Arizona State University. August 24, 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-23\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>23<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-23\">ASU CareerCatalyst. ASU\u2019s new AI-powered Navigator helps learners take the next career step. July 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-24\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>24<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-24\">Prime Minister of Canada, New measures<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-25\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>25<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-25\">Government of Alberta. Alberta Jobs Strategy 2025-2030. September, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-26\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>26<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-26\">Handler, T., Frenette, M. Postsecondary education decisions following a permanent layoff. Statistics Canada. September 28, 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-27\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>27<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-27\">Pichette, J., Watkins, E. Competency-based Education: Driving the skills-measurement agenda. Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-28\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>28<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-28\">Gallant, L., Brumwell, S., Chatoor K., Colyar, J. The impacts of Ontario\u2019s part-time model on colleges and students. Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-29\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>29<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-29\">OECD. OECD Data explorer. n.d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-30\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>30<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-30\">Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Key small business statistics. Government of Canada 2022.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-31\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>31<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-31\">Statistics Canada. Spending on research and development in the higher education sector, 2022\/2023. Government of Canada. November 1, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-32\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>32<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-32\">Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science. Investing in Canada\u2019s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research. 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-33\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>33<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-33\">Geoffrey Hinton received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution, while a Professor Emeritus at University of Toronto, to \u201cfoundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca\/news-and-stories\/geoffrey-hinton-nobel-prize\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-c5cf888e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"University of Toronto, 2024\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">University of Toronto, 2024<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca\/news-and-stories\/geoffrey-hinton-nobel-prize\/\">)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-34\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>34<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p id=\"legal-34\">Dr. Arthur B. McDonald received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution, while a faculty member at Queen\u2019s University, to research that \u201credefined the basic laws of particle physics, and confirmed the detailed understanding of how the sun burns\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.queensu.ca\/vpr\/prizes-promotions\/nobel-prize-phsyics-arthur-b-mcdonald\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-f09a4152\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Queen\u2019s University, n.d.\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Queen\u2019s University, n.d.<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-legal-collapsible disclaimer pad-t-0 mob-pad-t-0 pad-b-0 mob-pad-b-0 mar-t-0 mob-mar-t-0 mar-b-0 mob-mar-b-0\" aria-label=\"Legal Disclaimers\"><div class=\"section-inner\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapseDisclaimer\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseDisclaimer\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-fe94d81f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"legal close\" data-dig-label=\"legal close\" action-closed=\"legal close\" action-opened=\"legal open\" label-close=\"legal open\" label-open=\"legal close\"><span>Bibliography<\/span><span>Hide Bibliography<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapseDisclaimer\"><div class=\"collapse-inner\"><div class=\"table-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-1\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>1<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Academica Forum. Still worth it? Re-examining the economic returns to WIL. September 5, 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/forum.academica.ca\/forum\/still-worth-it-wil\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/forum.academica.ca\/forum\/still-worth-it-wil<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-2\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>2<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science. Investing in Canada\u2019s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research. 2017. <a href=\"https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canada-fundamental-science-review\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/ExecSummary_April2017-EN.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-17909076\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canada-fundamental-science-review\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/ExecSummary_April2017-EN.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/canada-fundamental-science-review\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/ExecSummary_April2017-EN.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-3\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>3<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>ASU CareerCatalyst. ASU\u2019s new AI-powered Navigator helps learners take the next career step. July 1, 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/careercatalyst.asu.edu\/newsroom\/workforce-education\/asus-new-ai-powered-navigator-helps-learners-take-the-next-career-step\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-2e2b36bc\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/careercatalyst.asu.edu\/newsroom\/workforce-education\/asus-new-ai-powered-navigator-helps-learners-take-the-next-career-step\/\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/careercatalyst.asu.edu\/newsroom\/workforce-education\/asus-new-ai-powered-navigator-helps-learners-take-the-next-career-step\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-4\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>4<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Davidson, M., Ruparell, S., Noble, L, Smith, I. The Future of Ontario\u2019s Workers. <em>StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy<\/em>. June 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.agilitycms.com\/colleges-ontario\/documents-library\/document-files\/2020%20June%20-%20The%20Future%20of%20Ontarios%20Workers.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-0040de54\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/cdn.agilitycms.com\/colleges-ontario\/documents-library\/document-files\/2020%20June%20-%20The%20Future%20of%20Ontarios%20Workers.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/cdn.agilitycms.com\/colleges-ontario\/documents-library\/document-files\/2020%20June%20-%20The%20Future%20of%20Ontarios%20Workers.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-5\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>5<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Doern, B. Polytechnics in Higher Education Systems: A comparative review and policy implications for Ontario. <em>Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario<\/em>. 2008. <a href=\"https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Polytechnics-in-Higher-Education-Systems_A-Comparative-Review-and-Policy-Implications-for-Ontario.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-93041c05\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Polytechnics-in-Higher-Education-Systems_A-Comparative-Review-and-Policy-Implications-for-Ontario.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Polytechnics-in-Higher-Education-Systems_A-Comparative-Review-and-Policy-Implications-for-Ontario.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-6\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>6<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Gallant, L., Brumwell, S., Chatoor K., Colyar, J. The impacts of Ontario\u2019s part-time model on colleges and students. <em>Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario<\/em>. 2025.<a href=\"https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-Impacts-of-Ontarios-Part-time-Funding-Model-on-Colleges-and-Students.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-395a24a9\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\" https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-Impacts-of-Ontarios-Part-time-Funding-Model-on-Colleges-and-Students.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\"> https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-Impacts-of-Ontarios-Part-time-Funding-Model-on-Colleges-and-Students.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-7\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>7<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Government of Alberta. Alberta Jobs Strategy 2025-2030. September, 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/open.alberta.ca\/dataset\/54d309f9-d276-4de3-aa42-fa1a3d842f36\/resource\/41481d4c-d71f-49f5-9383-f689069448d9\/download\/jeti-alberta-job-strategy-2025-09-03.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-468c9247\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/open.alberta.ca\/dataset\/54d309f9-d276-4de3-aa42-fa1a3d842f36\/resource\/41481d4c-d71f-49f5-9383-f689069448d9\/download\/jeti-alberta-job-strategy-2025-09-03.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/open.alberta.ca\/dataset\/54d309f9-d276-4de3-aa42-fa1a3d842f36\/resource\/41481d4c-d71f-49f5-9383-f689069448d9\/download\/jeti-alberta-job-strategy-2025-09-03.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-8\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>8<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Handler, T, Frenette, M. Postsecondary education decisions following a permanent layoff. <em>Statistics Canada<\/em>. September 28, 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/36-28-0001\/2022009\/article\/00002-eng.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-24ef31e1\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/36-28-0001\/2022009\/article\/00002-eng.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/36-28-0001\/2022009\/article\/00002-eng.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-9\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>9<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits. <em>Government of Canada.<\/em> July 4, 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/news\/notices\/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-ef01e96d\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/news\/notices\/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/news\/notices\/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>10<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply. <em>Government of Canada<\/em>. July 9, 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/work\/after-graduation\/eligibility.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-3e830903\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/work\/after-graduation\/eligibility.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/work\/after-graduation\/eligibility.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>11<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Immigration and Citizenship Canada. Education in Canada: Post-secondary. <em>Government of Canada<\/em>. July 18, 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/settle-canada\/education\/school-types\/post-secondary.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-baff69b9\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/settle-canada\/education\/school-types\/post-secondary.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/settle-canada\/education\/school-types\/post-secondary.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>12<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Key small business statistics. <em>Government of Canada.<\/em> 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/sme-research-statistics\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/2022_key_small_business_statistics_en_0.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-33176782\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/sme-research-statistics\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/2022_key_small_business_statistics_en_0.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/sme-research-statistics\/sites\/default\/files\/attachments\/2022\/2022_key_small_business_statistics_en_0.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>13<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>KPMG. Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025 \u2013 Canadian insights. July 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.kpmg.com\/content\/dam\/kpmg\/ca\/pdf\/2025\/07\/trust-in-ai-en-report.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-cfb16ef5\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/assets.kpmg.com\/content\/dam\/kpmg\/ca\/pdf\/2025\/07\/trust-in-ai-en-report.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/assets.kpmg.com\/content\/dam\/kpmg\/ca\/pdf\/2025\/07\/trust-in-ai-en-report.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>14<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>McKay, R. Bridging the imagination gap: How Canadian companies can become global leaders in AI adoption. <em>RBC Thought Leadership<\/em>. June 24, 2024. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/thought-leadership\/the-growth-project\/bridging-the-imagination-gap-how-canadian-companies-can-become-global-leaders-in-ai-adoption\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-2f838fc9\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/thought-leadership\/the-growth-project\/bridging-the-imagination-gap-how-canadian-companies-can-become-global-leaders-in-ai-adoption\/\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/en\/thought-leadership\/the-growth-project\/bridging-the-imagination-gap-how-canadian-companies-can-become-global-leaders-in-ai-adoption\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>15<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Ministry of Colleges, Universities Research Excellence and Security. Ontario Expanding Degree Options at Publicly Assisted Colleges. April 11, 2022. <em>Ontario Newsroom<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ontario.ca\/en\/release\/1002009\/ontario-expanding-degree-options-at-publicly-assisted-colleges\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-18d64e9c\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/news.ontario.ca\/en\/release\/1002009\/ontario-expanding-degree-options-at-publicly-assisted-colleges\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/news.ontario.ca\/en\/release\/1002009\/ontario-expanding-degree-options-at-publicly-assisted-colleges<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>16<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>OECD. OECD Data explorer. n.d. <a href=\"https:\/\/data-explorer.oecd.org\/vis?lc=en&amp;tm=msti&amp;snb=1&amp;vw=tb&amp;df%5bds%5d=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&amp;df%5bid%5d=DSD_MSTI%40DF_MSTI&amp;df%5bag%5d=OECD.STI.STP&amp;df%5bvs%5d=&amp;pd=2014%2C&amp;dq=.A.G.PT_B1GQ..&amp;to%5bTIME_PERIOD%5d=false\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-70acf5e1\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/data-explorer.oecd.org\/vis?lc=en&amp;tm=msti&amp;snb=1&amp;vw=tb&amp;df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&amp;df[id]=DSD_MSTI%40DF_MSTI&amp;df[ag]=OECD.STI.STP&amp;df[vs]=&amp;pd=2014%2C&amp;dq=.A.G.PT_B1GQ..&amp;to[TIME_PERIOD]=false\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/data-explorer.oecd.org\/vis?lc=en&amp;tm=msti&amp;snb=1&amp;vw=tb&amp;df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&amp;df[id]=DSD_MSTI%40DF_MSTI&amp;df[ag]=OECD.STI.STP&amp;df[vs]=&amp;pd=2014%2C&amp;dq=.A.G.PT_B1GQ..&amp;to[TIME_PERIOD]=false<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>17<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Pichette, J., Watkins, E. Competency-based Education: Driving the skills-measurement agenda. <em>Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario<\/em>. 2018. <a href=\"https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Formatted_CBE-Paper_REVISED.pdf\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-a7d92626\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Formatted_CBE-Paper_REVISED.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/heqco.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Formatted_CBE-Paper_REVISED.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>18<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Pirehpour, K. Elevating student learning through data-driven insights. <em>Arizona State University<\/em>. August 24, 2023. <a href=\"https:\/\/news.asu.edu\/20230824-elevating-student-learning-through-datadriven-insights\">https:\/\/news.asu.edu\/20230824-elevating-student-learning-through-datadriven-insights<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>19<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Prime Minister of Canada. Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries. September 5 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pm.gc.ca\/en\/news\/backgrounders\/2025\/09\/05\/prime-minister-carney-launches-new-measures-protect-build-and?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Academica-Top-Ten---Tues%2C-Sept-9%2C-2025&amp;utm_source=Envoke-%2AAcademica-Top-Ten-Daily-Newsletter&amp;utm_term=Today%27s-Top-Ten-in-Higher-Ed\">https:\/\/www.pm.gc.ca\/en\/news\/backgrounders\/2025\/09\/05\/prime-minister-carney-launches-new-measures-protect-build-and?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Academica-Top-Ten&#8212;Tues%2C-Sept-9%2C-2025&amp;utm_source=Envoke-%2AAcademica-Top-Ten-Daily-Newsletter&amp;utm_term=Today%27s-Top-Ten-in-Higher-Ed<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>20<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Statistics Canada. Study: Youth and education in Canada<em>. Government of Canada<\/em>. October 4, 2021. <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/211004\/dq211004c-eng.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-b15a49d1\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/211004\/dq211004c-eng.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/211004\/dq211004c-eng.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>21<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Statistics Canada. Education Indicators in Canada: An International Perspective, 2020<em>. Government of Canada<\/em>. December 14, 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-604-x\/2020001\/ch\/chb-eng.htm\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-2dbd41b6\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-604-x\/2020001\/ch\/chb-eng.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-604-x\/2020001\/ch\/chb-eng.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>22<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Statistics Canada. Spending on research and development in the higher education sector, 2022\/2023. <em>Government of Canada<\/em>. November 1, 2024. <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/241101\/dq241101c-eng.htm\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-cab0a7d2\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/241101\/dq241101c-eng.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/daily-quotidien\/241101\/dq241101c-eng.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>23<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Steele, K. Budget impacts. <em>Eduvation<\/em>. 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/eduvation.ca\/budgets\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-f4af246c\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/eduvation.ca\/budgets\/\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/eduvation.ca\/budgets\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>24<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Su, S. Jin, H., Brown, J. Changes in the population of tradespeople between 2016 and 2021. <em>Statistics Canada<\/em>. September 26, 2024. <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-595-m\/81-595-m2024002-eng.htm\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-cc5f7863\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-595-m\/81-595-m2024002-eng.html\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/81-595-m\/81-595-m2024002-eng.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>25<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>Usher, A., Balfour, J. &amp; Jeon, J. The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada, 2025. <em>Higher Education Strategy Associates<\/em>. September 2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/higheredstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SPEC-2025_web_v1.pdf\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">https:\/\/higheredstrategy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SPEC-2025_web_v1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-disclaimer-block\"><div class=\"table-row\" id=\"legal-10\"><div class=\"table-cell\"><span class=\"offscreen\">Legal Disclaimer<\/span><sup>26<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"table-cell\">\n<p>World Economic Forum. The future of jobs report 2025. January 7, 2025.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/digest\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-19460-b9f85348\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\" https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/digest\/\" class=\"rbc-link-format\"> https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/digest\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five imperatives for Canadian colleges and universities entering a critical year  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