As well as the new Canada Job Grant, the budget contains a number of other welcome initiatives that will allow colleges and polytechnics to continue playing a pivotal role in boosting innovation and job creation, including:
• a $12 million increase to the College and Community Innovation program that supports applied research collaboration between colleges and industry
• dedicated funding to promote education in high-demand fields, including the skilled trades
• the introduction of measures that will increase opportunities for apprentices
• investment in Canada’s International Education Strategy to strengthen Canada’s position as an educational destination of choice.
“This budget clearly recognizes the important role that applied learning plays as a catalyst for job opportunity and innovation that will reinvigorate Canada’s economy and put us on the path to a brighter future,” Tibbits continued. He has called for post-secondary education reform that would steer more young people towards career-focused, skills-based education that is aligned with real-world needs.