A national study done by Larry Smith of the University of Waterloo and
Essential Economics Corporation identifies the 
unique
value to Canada of the nation's eight polytechnic institutes, but at the
same time warns that without strong, long-term government investment in
the sector, Canada runs the risk of losing the ability to compete against
large, emerging nations such as China and India.
The report, titled Building Canada's Competitive Strength: The Role of
Canada’s Polytechnics, was released today by Polytechnics Canada,
a national organization of eight highly respected and internationally
recognized colleges in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Kitchener
- the association includes among its members Conestoga College Institute
of Technology and Advanced Learning.
The study (available at www.polytechnicscanada.ca)
notes that Canada's prosperity is built on exports and education, and
says that if the country is to prosper, it must increase both the quantity
and the quality of its post-secondary graduates, especially in the advanced
technological and business sectors, areas in which the members of Polytechnics
Canada excel.
“There is no question that skills education and applied research
are essential to Canada's well being and global viability,” says
Conestoga President John Tibbits.
and research that covers the full range of essential economic sectors and
the entire scope of skills education levels, from entry-level to postgraduate,”
he adds. “Growth is imperative for Canada's economic survival.
Polytechnics Canada Executive Director Sharon Maloney, in releasing the
Smith report, calls on the federal government to make two strategic investments
to support advanced applied education and research:
equipment and infrastructure integral to providing advanced applied
education to students, adult learners and corporate trainees, and
focused on creating industrial, commercial and economic benefits for
Canadians.
“There is a direct link between what the study says Canada needs and
what our members are offering to over 500,000 Canadians each year,”
Maloney says.
“Our competitors, including India, China and Ireland, have used education strategically to create their competitive advantage. With our limited population base, we need to play the game very well, applying our focus and resources as carefully and precisely as possible. This is a national issue that requires leadership from the federal government.”
CONTACT: Sharon Maloney, Polytechnics Canada, 416-949-2588
BACKGROUNDER
Conestoga and Polytechnics Canada
Conestoga is one of eight members of Polytechnics Canada. The other institutions are: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, SAIT Polytechnic, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, George Brown College and Seneca College.
Polytechnic education is career-focused applied education that spans trades through to advanced degrees, delivered in an environment where students receive hands-on training that enables them to more readily apply their skills.
All polytechnics offer:
The advantage of polytechnics is in their three-pillared approach: strength in academic offerings, strength in industry connections and strength in applied research.
Applied research provides students with practical learning situations and produces outcomes that further economic success and employment opportunities.
Examples of applied research in progress at Conestoga include:systems to improve cost and environmental savings
gloves for the industrial, commercial and tourist markets
of specialized computer equipment and programs as well as lab and field
test equipment that will more accurately predict the service life of
building materials and components.