COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES CANADA
2023 budget recognizes the critical role of colleges and institutes in advancing innovation and economic resiliency

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) applauds the federal budget for acknowledging colleges and institutes' critical role in Canadian innovation with increased funding for business-led R&D partnerships with colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and cégeps.

Despite being crafted under significant fiscal constraints, CICan is encouraged by the new budget's commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth and welcomes targeted investments in areas like innovation, clean energy, and healthy communities. CICan also commends the government for its keen focus on assisting vulnerable Canadians in the face of challenging economic circumstances.

CICan is particularly pleased to see the federal government recognize the critical role colleges and institutes play in supporting businesses' competitiveness and resiliency with a $108.6 million over three years investment in applied research through the existing Tri-Council College and Community Innovation Program. CICan has been calling on the federal government to accelerate business-led R&D by doubling the impact of this program which enables Canadian colleges and institutes to partner with local businesses to advance research, innovation and commercialization and provide thousands of students with hands-on, career-relevant learning experiences.  

"This budget demonstrates that the Government of Canada recognizes the growing importance of applied research in colleges and institutes as a path to economic resiliency and competitiveness for Canadian SMEs," says Denise Amyot, President & CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada. "With a network of over 700 research centres and laboratories across Canada, we are primed and eager to support more businesses and continue carrying out our critical role in Canadian innovation."

CICan is also pleased to see the federal budget acknowledge that access to student aid remains critical for learners by proposing several affordability measures for students in 2023-24 that target those most in need. These measures include continued investments in the Student Work Placement Program and youth programs. We look forward to working with the Government of Canada on a full review of these measures over the coming year. 

CICan will continue to work with the government to ensure the potential of the college and institute system is leveraged for the benefit of all Canadians.