Three out of five federal party leaders respond to questions on higher education and research priorities

October 3, 2008

AUCC calls on all party leaders to make higher education and research a priority in this election campaign

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada has released the responses of three federal party leaders to a questionnaire on their commitment to higher education and university research.
Three of the five federal party leaders responded to the AUCC questionnaire by the requested date of September 29 — all affirming the value of higher education and research and recognizing the strategic importance of investments in universities. The leaders of the Bloc Québécois and the Conservative party have not yet responded.

“We have called on all parties to address the crucial role higher education and research play in our economy,” says AUCC president and CEO Claire Morris. “Higher education and research should be one of the most important issues in this campaign.”

“Investments in postsecondary education and research are widely recognized as critical to Canada maintaining an innovative and productive economy. Increasingly, the critical role of a university in local economic development is also being highlighted as communities look to weather uncertain economic times,” Mrs. Morris added.

AUCC sent an open letter and a 12-question survey to the five main federal party leaders on September 10 on behalf of its members. The questionnaire asked all leaders to outline their plans in three critical areas: university research and graduate education; access to quality postsecondary education; and international experience for university students and faculty.

The Liberal, New Democratic and Green parties all expressed their commitment to the importance of investing in university research across a broad range of disciplines, improving funding for students pursuing postsecondary education and dedicating federal transfers to the provinces for postsecondary education. These three parties also supported significant investments in improving the educational attainment of Aboriginal peoples.

The questionnaire and other responses from the Liberal, New Democratic and Green Parties, as well as relevant statements from all parties on these issues, are posted on the AUCC election website www.universitiesmatter.ca.

AUCC is the voice of Canada’s universities here and abroad. It represents 92 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.

For more information contact:
Gary Evans, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, AUCC
613 563 3961 x 312

Please click on a party logo below to see the responses from that party:

The Liberal Party of Canada’s response to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

October 3, 2008

University research and graduate education

Universities are major producers of research that fuels economic development. They are the only sector to perform research for all other sectors, across the full range of disciplines and with a significant presence in all regions. In 2007, Canadian universities conducted more than $10 billion worth of research – approximately one third of Canada’s annual research effort. Canada currently leads the G-7 in investments in public sector research. Canada’s leadership in this area is due in large part to a number of key federal investments in discovery and creation; in developing, attracting and retaining research talent; in state-of-the-art infrastructure; and in the institutional costs of supporting research excellence. However, in the face of growing international competition, more needs to be done if Canada is to stay internationally competitive.

Question 1

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to maintaining Canada’s G-7 leadership in public sector research investments?

Liberals believe strongly in the importance of public sector research investments. For Canada to compete on the international stage, we must maintain our edge in research development and talent.

To enhance further Canada`s innovative capacity, the Liberal Party will build on its past investments through additional support for research, excellence, and advanced training, technology development, and commercialization.

Canada’s universities conduct research that benefits Canada and Canadians in a wide range of disciplines. These include social science, humanities and fine arts disciplines that produce excellent research and highly skilled graduates essential to Canada’s social, cultural and artistic, as well as economic, development.

Question 2

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to support more research in a broad range of disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities and fine arts?

The Liberal Party of Canada fully appreciates the unique contributions to society that all Post-Secondary disciplines have to offer. We will continue to support, through whatever means available, the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts programs across Canada.

Currently, the federal Indirect Costs program provides support for institutional costs of federally sponsored research (such as the general costs associated with managing the research process and ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and other regulatory requirements) at an overall rate equivalent to 25 percent of direct costs funding. This falls well short of the minimum 40 percent rate required to ensure the competitiveness of Canada’s university research effort. Crucially, increased federal investment will also ensure that universities do not have to cover these costs from their existing operating budgets.

Question 3

If your party forms the next government, will you fund the institutional costs of supporting research excellence at internationally competitive levels?

The former Liberal Government announced in its 2005 Economic Update $2.1 billion over five years to increase support for the granting councils, the Indirect Costs of Research program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. These measures supported cutting-edge research and strengthened international research networks. We were disappointed that the Conservatives chose to axe over half this money in their 2006 budget upon taking office.

From 1996 to 2006, Canadian universities awarded approximately 245,000 master’s degrees and over 35,000 PhDs. It is primarily through their graduates that universities transfer knowledge to other sectors of society. Graduates – particularly those with advanced degrees – are essential to the development of research capacity in the private sector and the receptor capacity required for the successful commercialization of university research discoveries. However, many business leaders and analysts have identified the relative underproduction of graduate degrees in Canada as a barrier to increasing this country’s international competitiveness and productivity. The United States produces more than twice as many master’s graduates and 50 percent more PhD graduates on a per capita basis than Canada.

Question 4

If your party forms the next government, will you undertake the necessary investments to close the gap between Canada and the U.S. in the number of master’s and Ph.D. graduates produced, by supporting more students to pursue graduate studies and ensuring that universities have the faculty and infrastructure necessary to educate more graduate students?

In the late 1990’s the former Liberal Government successfully reversed the brain drain crisis affecting Canada. We are committed to ensuring Canadian talent remains in Canada. This includes assisting graduate and Ph.D. students both during and after their formal education. In the 2005 Economic Update Liberals pledged $210 million over five years to increase the number of Canada Graduate Scholarships. This was slashed by the conservative government to $35 million (assistance for 1,000 students) over two years in 2006, and cut the program even further to $28 million (assistance for 500 students) over two years in 2008. Liberals believe assistance to graduate students must be increased.

Competing effectively in an internationalized R&D environment requires ongoing support for cutting-edge university research infrastructure and research networks across Canada. Since 1996, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, in partnership with provinces, universities and the private sector, has been the major funder of new university research infrastructure in Canada. Since 1988, the Networks of Centres of Excellence program, and more recently, the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program, have created many networking opportunities to mobilize scientific excellence between academia, federal and provincial departments and agencies, and the private sector.

Question 5

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure the long term sustainability of Canada’s university research infrastructure, including its major research facilities, and research networks?

Students must have the proper facilities, with modern equipment at the Post-Secondary level. Liberals agree that university infrastructure should be a priority area for future funding considerations. In the 2005 Economic Update the former Liberal government pledged $1 billion for urgent investments in infrastructure at Universities and Community Colleges across Canada. The Conservative government failed to offer anything new in regards to infrastructure after their 2006 Budget.

In 1997 the former Liberal government created the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help spur research and development throughout Canada’s postsecondary institutions. It also included significant increases to the budgets of the three main research agencies in Canada. In 2001, we continued our commitment of helping Canada’s research and development sector grow by establishing the Indirect Costs of Research Program, allowing Post-Secondary institutions to reduce the impact that federally funded research has on their overall budget.

Access to quality postsecondary education

U.S. public universities have a funding advantage over Canadian universities – which has implications for the quality of education for students. U.S. public universities and four-year colleges received $29,000 CAD per student in 2006 compared to Canadian universities with revenue (including tuition) of just $21,000 CAD per student in 2006. One way for the federal government to help close this gap and to ensure that universities can offer high-quality education to growing numbers of students is to work with the provinces to improve overall government support.

Question 6

If your party forms the next government, how will you work with the provinces to address the per-student funding gap in postsecondary education?

A new Liberal government would be open to hosting any negotiations between the federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to address the funding gap facing Canada’s Post-Secondary education institutions.

The Liberal Party of Canada passed a resolution at its 2005 Biennial meeting calling for the establishment of a Canadian Education Transfer to place a “fence” around funding to ensure money for Post-Secondary Education was not used for other sorts of infrastructure. In their budgets of 2007 and 2008 the Conservatives did nothing to ensure federal money allocated for education would be in fact targeted to do what it is intended to do – support universities, colleges, and students.

Changes are occurring in who is employed, where they are employed and what skills they need to do their jobs. On top of this, the baby boomers will be leaving the labour market in ever greater numbers over the next decade and replacement demand for knowledge workers will increase substantially. Simply put, Canada will need more workers with higher levels of education. Student assistance is important to ensure that no academically qualified individuals are unable to pursue postsecondary education opportunities because they lack the necessary financial resources. The federal government, the provinces, and universities deliver student assistance through a mix of grants, loans and tax measures. While both levels of government and institutions themselves have increased the amount of student assistance available in recent years, there remain financial barriers to access for students from groups who are underrepresented in Canada’s postsecondary education systems.

Question 7

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure that money invested in student financial aid is going to those students most in need and that it is sufficient to meet the need?

The Liberal Party of Canada believes in equal opportunity, and that every Canadian who wishes to should be afforded the opportunity for life long learning.

We understand the difficulties surrounding access to Post-Secondary Education for low-income Canadians and we believe the solution lies in a combination of targeted grants, bursaries, and loans. In 2004 the former Liberal government created the Canada Access Grant for first year low-income students and another for disabled students. In the November 2005 Economic and Fiscal Update we committed to extending this grant to other students in subsequent years. This change saw an additional $110 million per year granted to an additional 55,000 low-income students across Canada.

By any measure, Aboriginal Canadians remain far behind the majority of Canadians in higher education attainment and socio-economic status. This country can ill-afford to under-develop the potential and under-utilize the skills, knowledge and creativity of important segments of Canadian society. Aboriginal Canadians with postsecondary education have similar social and economic outcomes to those of their non-Aboriginal peers. However, Aboriginal Canadians have the lowest high school completion rate of any demographic group in Canada, and recent Aboriginal high school graduates are 23 percent less likely than their non-Aboriginal peers to go on to postsecondary education within two years after high school graduation.

Question 8

If your party forms the next government, what measures will you take to ensure that more Aboriginal Canadians are academically qualified for university, that they have the necessary financial aid and that universities can provide outreach and support services required to increase graduation rates among Aboriginal Canadians?

The Liberal Party believes in equal opportunity for all Canadians to achieve lifelong learning. The federal government has a responsibility in providing high-quality education to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada, at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.

That is why Liberals were outraged when the Conservatives killed the Kelowna Accord, wiping out $500 million in funding for Post-Secondary Education for Aboriginals in Canada. A new Liberal government would honour the spirit of the Kelowna Accord.

While the responsibility for setting courses and program curriculum rests with the individual provinces, the Liberal Party is supportive of ensuring diversity in Canadian classrooms. Few initiatives go further to achieving this goal that helping First Nations, inuit and Métis children thrive academically.

A large amount of campus infrastructure, much of it dating to the 1960s and 1970s or earlier, is in need of renewal and, in many cases, expansion to meet enrolment demands and today’s requirements for state-of-the-art educational infrastructure. As well, campuses across Canada are “going green” as they strive to incorporate the latest environmentally sustainable technologies and processes into the design and use of buildings on campus.

Question 9

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to investing in green and smart campus infrastructure to enhance quality and sustainability?

Yes. The Liberal Party of Canada is fully committed to assisting institutions invest in green and smart campus infrastructure.

Universities’ connections to the world

Solving complex challenges requires relationships that cut not only across traditionally separate spheres of social and economic interaction, but also international boundaries. Many issues and research challenges require international partnerships that involve working across borders. Canada lacks a national framework to support international research activities comparable to key collaborators/competitors such as the United Kingdom and the European Union. Existing funding for international research collaboration is limited and fragmented among the three research granting agencies, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and other departments and agencies.

Question 10

If your party forms the next government, will you invest in international research collaboration to increase Canadian researchers’ opportunities to work with their global peers?

The Liberal Party of Canada understands the importance of international cooperation while performing research in the public sector. We would consider increased funding on international research to reaffirm Canada’s leadership role in innovation.

Opportunities for students from other countries to study in Canadian universities create important linkages between Canada and the rest of the world. Attracting the best and brightest international students to study in our universities benefits Canada whether they choose to return home upon graduation or put their expertise and knowledge to work in Canada. The federal government recently provided an investment of $2 million over two years to support the establishment of a brand for Canadian education abroad.

Question 11

If your party forms the next government, will you expand Canada’s international marketing effort to attract more of the best foreign students to study in Canada?

Liberals believe in allowing foreign students to study in Canada, and would continue to support campaigns to encourage their applications to Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions.

International education opportunities for Canadian students help them to develop the global skills and perspectives that are in high demand in the labour market and Canadian society. Currently, just over two percent of Canadian university students participate in short-term, for-credit study, internship, or research experiences abroad each year – far less than in other key OECD countries. AUCC research shows that lack of financial support is the top barrier for students to pursue study abroad.

Question 12

If your party forms the next government, will you take the necessary measures to increase opportunities for Canadian students to pursue an international education experience as part of their university education?

Liberals fully support both Canadians studying abroad, and foreign students coming to Canada to learn here. It broadens their horizons, and benefits society by exchanging new ideas and exporting Canadian values to others.

In its 2005 Economic Update the former Liberal government proudly invested $150 million over five years to encourage Canadians to study abroad and foreign students to study in Canada, and support the participation of Canadian post-secondary institutions in international networks. This commitment was cancelled by the Conservatives when they took office in 2006.

Please click on a party logo below to see the responses from that party:

The Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois did not respond to our survey: See media release

The New Democratic Party of Canada’s response to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

October 3, 2008

Questions 1, 2 and 3

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to maintaining Canada’s
G-7 leadership in public sector research investments?

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to support more
research in a broad range of disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities
and fine arts?

If your party forms the next government, will you fund the institutional costs of
supporting research excellence at internationally competitive levels?

1, 2, 3)  Jack Layton and his team of New Democrats will encourage the best minds to
stay here in Canada by increasing funding for university and college-based research.
New Democrats will work with the provinces and territories to encourage research and
develop strategies to minimize the effects of climate change on communities, vegetation
and wildlife. We will also support increased scientific research in the Arctic.
We recognize the tremendous value of research across the broad range of disciplines
and believe that all Canadian research grants boards should receive adequate public
funding. Our commitment to investing in the innovation that will take us forward forms
the very heart of our platform.

Question 4

If your party forms the next government, will you undertake the necessary
investments to close the gap between Canada and the U.S. in the number of
master’s and PhD graduates produced, by supporting more students to pursue
graduate studies and ensuring that universities have the faculty and infrastructure
necessary to educate more graduate students?

4) As Prime Minister, Jack Layton will enact the Post Secondary Education Act as
introduced in the last Parliament. This law will guarantee accountable, stable federal
transfers for post-secondary education, and ensure that our not-for-profit post-secondary
education system has the capacity to educate more graduate students.
This will include new initiatives to increase financial support for in-demand professionals,
such as doctors and nurses, linked to them serving in areas where there are shortages.

Questions 5 and 6

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure the long term
sustainability of Canada’s university research infrastructure, including its major
research facilities, and research networks?

If your party forms the next government, how will you work with the provinces to
address the per-student funding gap in postsecondary education?

5 & 6) Federal transfers for post-secondary education, as a percentage of GDP, have
fallen by two-thirds since the beginning of the Mulroney government, and by one-half
since the start of the last Liberal regime in 1993. Correspondingly, average
undergraduate tuition has tripled since 1990-91, and students in Nova Scotia pay over
three times as much in tuition as students in Quebec.

The dedicated federal transfers of Jack Layton’s Post Secondary Education Act will
allow provinces to make necessary investments in infrastructure and accessibility. This
will ensure the highest quality education for Canadian students, regardless in which
province or territory they study.

Question 7

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure that money
invested in student financial aid is going to those students most in need and that
it is sufficient to meet the need?

7) Canada’s future prosperity depends on how well we equip the next generation of
workers in an increasingly competitive 21st-century economy—yet education and
training is becoming less accessible for all but the most privileged.
Since the early 1990s, tuition fees have tripled, pushing college and university beyond
the reach of too many families. Most undergraduates now juggle debts averaging
$25,000, seriously limiting their ability to start a family, buy a first home, or start their
careers. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

A New Democrat Government will keep tuition fees affordable and improve accessibility
to post-secondary education by enshrining these principles in the Post Secondary
Education Act. The federal government has a role to play in reducing tuition fees and by
making all levels of government more accountable to their students, through this
legislation, Jack Layton will bring education opportunities up and costs down.
Finally, to ensure that students don’t have crippling debts when they graduate, Jack
Layton will:

  • Provide a $1,000 grant to all undergraduate or equivalent students whoqualify for student loans, paid at the beginning of the school year.
  • Reform the Canada Student Loans system, including interest relief, sostudents are not forced to start repaying their student loans while they are still completing their education through internship, co-op or placementprograms.
  • Support students and post-secondary education in Quebec (where tuitionfees are already low) and the northern territories with financing equivalentto their government’s student access and post-secondary developmentprograms.

Question 8

If your party forms the next government, what measures will you take to ensure
that more Aboriginal Canadians are academically qualified for university, that they
have the necessary financial aid and that universities can provide outreach and
support services required to increase graduation rates among Aboriginal
Canadians?

8 ) First Nations, Métis and Inuit people make prominent contributions to this country, but
far too many grow up in third world conditions that keep them from realizing their full
potential.

As Prime Minister, Jack Layton will invest $5 billion over 5 years in First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit communities. This will improve health services, help provide adequate housing,
water, and infrastructure to include traditional healing, nutrition, fitness, addiction
treatment and suicide prevention.

New Democrats will implement aggressive new efforts in education and training of First
Nations children, youth and adults. We will respect Ottawa’s fiduciary obligations and
encourage the participation of public and private sectors with the federal government in
skills training initiatives. Federal education funding must recognize comparable levels of
funding for non-reserve students.

Furthermore, we will help develop community economies by providing infrastructure so
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people can fully participate in the Canadian economy. We
will enhance access to capital, skills training and natural resources, and remove the
punitive 2 percent funding cap instituted by the Liberals and maintained by the Harper
Conservatives.

Question 9

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to investing in green and
smart campus infrastructure to enhance quality and sustainability?

9) A crucial part of reducing pollution and fighting climate change must be substantial
new investments in green infrastructure. A New Democrat Government will work to unite
the country behind a strategy to begin the transition to a new energy economy. Through
consultation and cooperative efforts with all stakeholders, we will implement a
comprehensive New Energy Economy Strategy to adopt green solutions including new
financial incentives for clean power, like solar, wind, water, biomass and other
renewable sources for electricity production and from industrial co-generation and smallscale,
sustainable community facilities.

A New Democrat Government would also implement a Better Buildings Retrofit and
Energy Efficiency Strategy that includes re-vamping the ecoEnergy programs to provide
low-interest loans and improved grants for energy efficient home and building retrofits,
modeled on the City of Toronto’s successful Better Buildings Partnership using revolving
funds.

Question 10

If your party forms the next government, will you invest in international research
collaboration to increase Canadian researchers’ opportunities to work with their
global peers?

10) International research collaboration is an important part of any universities’ research
program that opens up vast opportunities for the expansion of knowledge. Canada’s
New Democrats are committed to increasing investment levels for university-based
research.

Questions 11 and 12

If your party forms the next government, will you expand Canada’s international
marketing effort to attract more of the best foreign students to study in Canada?
If your party forms the next government, will you take the necessary measures to
increase opportunities for Canadian students to pursue an international education
experience as part of their university education?

11 & 12) New Democrats will work with the provinces and territories to guarantee stable,
long term funding, building the capacity of Canadian Universities and Colleges to attract
more foreign students and to send Canadian students abroad.

Please click on a party logo below to see the responses from that party:

The Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois did not respond to our survey: See media release

The Green Party of Canada’s response to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

October 3, 2008

 

Question 1

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to maintaining Canada’s G-7 leadership in public sector research investments?

The Green Party recognizes that universities are major producers of research that is essential for the creation of a sustainable economy. The Green Party will commit to maintaining Canada’s G7 leadership in public sector research investments. A Green government will urge targeted research grants to institutions with a specific focus on applied research including community colleges specifically to support development of new technologies in the fields of renewable energy, smart growth and energy conservation.

 

Question 2

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to support more research in a broad range of disciplines, including the social sciences, humaniti

A Green government would commit itself to developing Canada’s educational capacity in all academic fields. The pursuit of knowledge extends beyond the ledger and it is important for a government to acknowledge this. At every level of our society, arts and cultural activities help define our identities and communities. They unlock our individual and collective creativity, and help Canadians share our ideas worldwide. From surreal circus to incisive films, to renowned actors and singers, Canadians are experiencing cultural breakthroughs on the international arts and culture scene. The Green Party is committed to providing funding universities to create more tenure track teaching positions, regardless of perceived commercial value of the area of pedagogy.

 

Question 3

If your party forms the next government, will you fund the institutional costs of supporting research excellence at internationally competitive levels?

The development of a green economy can provide Canada with an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in the economy of the 21st century. With properly funded research Canada can provide the intellectual know-how to ensure the sustainability of our economy. Through targeted research grants to institutions with a specific focus on applied research including community colleges specifically to support development of new technologies in the fields of renewable energy, smart growth and energy conservation. A Green government would provide research institutions with the means to take leadership on the international stage.

 

Question 4

If your party forms the next government, will you undertake the necessary investments to close the gap between Canada and the U.S. in the number of master’s and PH.D graduates produced, by supporting more students to pursue graduate studies and ensuring that universities have the faculty and infrastructure necessary to educate more graduate students?

The Green Party would increase earmarked federal transfer payments to provinces for post-secondary education to enable post-secondary institutions, academic and trades to increase spaces for student enrollment along with necessary tuition fee reductions. As such, we would forgive 50% of a student’s loan when they complete a degree or certificate program. For graduates from medical school, we will provide financial incentives for them to settle in underserviced rural areas.

 

Question 5

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s university research infrastructure, including its major research facilities, and research networks?

In order to maintain Canada’s research infrastructure, a Green government would deliver targeted research grants to institutions with a specific focus on applied research. These funding agreements would be designed to encourage growth in the Canada’s research capacity.

 

Question 6

If your party forms the next government, how will you work with the provinces to address the per-student funding gap in post secondary education?

In order to work with the provinces to address the pre-student funding gap in postsecondary education, the Green Party will launch a comprehensive “access to education plan.” This plan will include, but not be limited to, budgeting of adequate federal transfer payments to post-secondary institutions and direct financial aid for students, as well as working with the provinces to set goals for tuition fee reduction to manageable levels.

 

Question 7

If your party forms the next government, what will you do to ensure that money invested in student financial aid is going to those students most in need and that it is sufficient to meet the need?

The Green Party believes that universal access for every qualified individual to affordable post-secondary education and training is a basic right and we would make it a priority to eliminate the financial barriers that currently stand in the way of access. To ensure that money invested in student financial aid is going to those students most in need and that it is sufficient to meet the need, the Green Party will increase funding for a needs-based Canadian National Student Loan and Bursary Program with low interest rates and reasonable repayment schedules. This loan program will replace the Millennium Scholarship Foundation. As previously mentioned, the Green Party will forgive 50% of a student’s loan when they complete a degree or certificate program.

 

Question 8

If your party forms the next government, what measures will you take to ensure that more Aboriginal Canadians are academically qualified for university, that they have the necessary financial aid and that universities can provide outreach and support services required to increase graduation rates among Aboriginal Canadians?

Education funding analyses conducted by the Assembly of First Nations indicate that for each student living on reserve, band schools receive an average of $2,000 less than provincial schools. In 2004, the Auditor General identified an education gap of 28 years for First Nations people living on reserves compared to the Canadian population as a whole, meaning that it will take Aboriginal students 28 years to reach non-Aboriginal graduation rates. The Auditor General has warned this chasm will continue to grow. Close to 70 percent of First Nations students do not graduate from high school. The Green Party of Canada is committed to addressing this funding imbalance through the gradual implementation of the Kelowna Accord.

To ensure that more Aboriginal Canadians are academically qualified for university, the Green Party will support the development of and assist the delivery of Aboriginal education curricula that is language and culture specific.

 

Question 9

If your party forms the next government, will you commit to investing in green and smart campus infrastructure to enhance quality and sustainability?

The Green Party will commit to investing in green and smart campus infrastructure to enhance quality and sustainability. To achieve these goals, the Green Party will launch a national program to energy retrofits public sector buildings such as universities, schools, museums, and hospitals.

 

Question 10

If your party forms the next government, will you invest in international research collaboration to increase Canadian researchers’ opportunities to work with their global peers?

The Green Party believes that collaborative research efforts are necessary to remain competitive in the global intellectual economy. Innovation is one of the driving factors in the development of a sustainable economy, and indeed society as a whole. Therefore the Green Party will actively encourage our post-secondary institutions to develop partnerships abroad.

 

Question 11

If your party forms the next government, will you expand Canada’s international marketing effort to attract more of the best foreign students to study in Canada?

The Green Party of Canada supports the efforts of our post-secondary institutions to seek out the best and brightest in the world and bring them to Canada. We recognize the value, both cultural and economic, of a strong international student programme.

 

Question 12

If your party forms the next government, Will you take the necessary measures to increase opportunities for Canadian students to pursue an international education experience as part of their university education?
University is a time of intellectual and personal development. For many, an aspect of this education is going beyond the borders of their campus and indeed their country. The Green Party has long stood for diversity, international development and cultural exchange.

The Green Party would embrace opportunities for the futures leaders and innovators of our country to travel and educate themselves where they can learn these values. In a world that depends on mutual understanding, Canada must be a leader in fostering such relationships.

 

Please click on a party logo below to see the responses from that party:

The Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois did not respond to our survey: See media release