Innovation opportunities in 2017–18 federal budget
UPEI President and Vice Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz joined Universities Canada and colleagues from across the country in commenting on the federal budget tabled by the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, in the House of Commons on March 22, 2017.
Universities Canada, the voice of Canada’s universities in advancing an agenda for higher education, research and innovation, held a briefing for members after “Budget 2017” was tabled to discuss how it impacts post-secondary education. Read the Universities Canada news release
“The University of Prince Edward Island appreciates the federal government for its ongoing recognition of the importance of post-secondary education,” says President Abd-El-Aziz. “This continued investment will help our University and other universities in Canada provide students with the skills they need to be ready for the future and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our country.”
President Abd-El-Aziz further noted that the UPEI Strategic Plan, 2013–18 aligns with the federal government’s priorities of research and innovation, talent mobilization, and indigenization. “We look forward to working with our federal government partners. Our priority is to develop the leaders of the future by providing students with experiential learning and research opportunities, allowing them to reach their full potential.”
“UPEI makes an important contribution to the economies of PEI and Canada through our innovative research agenda,” adds President Abd-El-Aziz. “We are excited to hear of innovation opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital industries, health/biosciences, clean resources, agricultural discovery science, and climate change—all areas in which UPEI has expertise.”
“We especially look forward to participating in the federal government’s upcoming review of its programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. We are committed to continuing our active engagement with our Indigenous community to advance student access and success.”
The University recently announced plans for the President’s Indigenous Advisory Council, which will guide, advise, and support the overall direction to be undertaken by UPEI to indigenize the campus and contribute to the reconciliation process through higher learning. One of the first items on the Council’s agenda will be to review federal and provincial support for Indigenous students.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
BACKGROUNDER: Federal budget highlights for post-secondary education
Research and innovation
• Canada’s universities look forward to the release of the final report of the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science. This report is expected to provide the government with an important opportunity to send a clear signal to all Canadians, and to the world, of its commitment to regain leadership among OECD countries for investments in university research.
• Last year, the granting councils received the highest amount of new annual funding for discovery research in over a decade. The Review of Federal Support is expected to lay the groundwork for future federal budgets with respect to reinvestments in the granting councils.
• The Canada Foundation for Innovation, based on the major investment made in Budget 2015, is able to continue its current programming with no impact on the university community. The Review of Federal Support will be very important in setting expected directions on sustained investment in research infrastructure in Budget 2018.
• Health researchers will benefit from new funding to CIHR to partner with federal departments on climate change and the effect of the opioids crisis.
• Canada’s universities welcome the federal government’s commitment to fund the Canada 150 Research Chairs program. This program will help attract 25 top researchers from around the world to Canada’s universities and enhance Canada’s reputation as a global centre for innovation, science and research excellence.
• Recent events in the United States and United Kingdom provide an unprecedented opportunity to attract leading researchers to strengthen our skills, research and innovation performance.
• We welcome new investments in Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan. Canada’s universities play a key role in driving our innovation ecosystem for an inclusive and prosperous future. We are pleased that the role of universities as partners with business is reflected in Budget 2017 strategy for innovation superclusters.
Talent mobilization
• Global Skills Strategy: The work-permit exemption for brief academic stays under the government’s Global Skills Strategy is a welcome initiative that will facilitate the arrival of leading international researchers to our campuses.
• Skills development: The launch of a new organization to support skills development and measurement in Canada reflects the importance of preparing Canadians to meet future labour force needs. Universities play a vital role in equipping all Canadians, through continued education and lifelong learning, with the skills they need to adapt to shifting economic demands and make a meaningful contribution to unlocking innovation and driving Canada’s growth.
• Work integrated learning: Funding of $221 million over five years towards Mitacs’ goal of providing 10,000 work-integrated learning placements for Canadian postsecondary students and graduates each year is an important step in providing more Canadian students with valuable hands-on experience outside the classroom and research labs.
Indigenous higher education
• Indigenous education continues to be an urgent national priority. The federal government will increase funding to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program by $90 million over two years to support over 4,600 Indigenous students access higher education.
• Canada’s universities strongly welcome new federal investments of $5 million over five years to support Indigenous students across the country through Indspire scholarships and bursaries.
