UPEI President Wendy Rodgers participates in launch of Prosperity Charter for Atlantic Canada's future workforce
The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), in partnership with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC), launched the Prosperity Charter on July 15, bringing together Atlantic Canada's university and business communities around a shared commitment to developing and retaining the region's future workforce.
The Prosperity Charter invites employers across Atlantic Canada to publicly commit to supporting students and young professionals through mentorship, networking, work-integrated learning, internships, and employment opportunities. Together, the initiative aims to strengthen the region's talent pipeline, improve graduate retention, and help employers access the skilled workforce needed to drive long-term economic growth.
The AAU represents Atlantic Canada's 16 public universities, while the ACC represents more than 16,000 businesses through a network of over 90 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. Together, the organizations are working to strengthen connections between employers and post-secondary institutions to create more opportunities for students to live, work, and build their careers in Atlantic Canada.
“We are delighted to work closely with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and the business community through this exciting initiative. The majority of our graduates remain in the region and enter the work force here. Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, universities partner with employers to ensure graduates are well prepared for employment. The Prosperity Charter brings visibility to this critical partnership and will help expand opportunities for university students to connect with employers during their studies,” said Dr. Andrew Hakin, Chair of AAU.
Dr. Wendy Rodgers, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chair of AAU, participated in the official signing ceremony for the Prosperity Charter, on behalf of Dr. Hakin.
“UPEI is proud to sign onto the Prosperity Charter, joining our regional partners in supporting stronger connections and more meaningful pathways between universities and industry; our students; and employers in Atlantic Canada. It was my honour to participate in the official launch of the Charter, which will grow mutually beneficial opportunities for students and the companies and organizations that hire them—strengthening our economy.”
"Work-integrated learning is one of the smartest investments we can make in Atlantic Canada's future. It helps employers build the skilled workforce they need while giving students meaningful opportunities to live, work, and build their careers right here at home. The Prosperity Charter is about creating stronger connections that benefit our businesses, our graduates, and our economy,” said Dawn Binns, Chair, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
The Prosperity Charter was officially unveiled during a Work-Integrated Learning Conversation and Luncheon in Halifax. The event featured Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University, who shared national perspectives on expanding work-integrated learning and strengthening talent pipelines.
As a delivery partner for the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program, Magnet helps employers access wage subsidies covering up to 50% of a student's salary—up to $5,000 per placement—for paid co-op placements, internships, and other work-integrated learning opportunities. The program complements the goals of the Prosperity Charter by helping employers build talent while creating meaningful career pathways for Atlantic students.
Organizations across Atlantic Canada employing more than two people are encouraged to sign the Prosperity Charter and demonstrate their commitment to developing the region's future workforce.
