We are extremely proud to share this report, highlighting some of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) achievements in 2016-2017. As you will see, it was a very busy and productive year, during which we launched new programs promoted our members’ interests in Ottawa, and saw big gains for our sector in Budget 2017.
The federal government’s second year in power saw some very encouraging developments on a number of our priorities, as key ministers and elected officials became more familiar with our network of colleges and institutes thanks to strategic advocacy efforts. This contributed to a 2017 federal budget that was presented as a “skills and innovation budget” and featured encouraging investments in support of skills training, reskilling, work-integrated learning opportunities, and innovation.
On the international front, we continued to pursue new opportunities for colleges and institutes by forging new partnerships and building on our past successes. Over many years of successful collaboration, our members have built a strong reputation overseas, and we continue to be the post-secondary system of choice for governments and organizations looking to develop employment-focused education and training, all over the world. This year we launched new programs in Kenya and Latin America, and student mobility partnerships that will benefit all Canadian colleges and institutes.
Exciting times lie ahead as the government focuses on the implementation of its budget priorities, and we know that colleges and institutes are poised and ready to help build a strong and innovative middle class. Our members are recognized as invaluable partners by industry and government, and we will continue to ensure that their critical role in inclusive economic growth is center stage.
Denise Amyot
President and CEO
Liane Roy
Board Chair
President and CEO, Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick