THE RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES' COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia Research Universities Welcome the Provincial Economic Framework Commitment to Invest in People

The Research Universities' Council of BC (RUCBC) welcomes the provincial StrongerBC Economic Plan and its support for new seats, educational infrastructure, and education opportunities. Investing in people and providing the tools and supports that British Columbians need to grow their skills and educational attainments will enable broader and more equitable participation across all sectors, regions, and industries. RUCBC member institutions strongly support unleashing the potential of our most important advantage - our people - through education, research, and innovation programs which help to bridge the gap of skills that are faced by employers and communities.

The focus of the StrongerBC Economic Plan on creating a diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce is essential for developing, attracting, and retaining workers and businesses. An emphasis on people and talent will also help core sectors, including technology, natural resources, and life sciences to improve their productivity, enabling BC to compete effectively in the global economy.

"The decision of the province to create missions and to drive - rather than just meet - clean growth and inclusion objectives will create new economic opportunities across all areas of BC," said Dr. Brett Fairbairn, President of Thompson Rivers University and Chair of the Research Universities' Council of BC. "By investing in innovation, education, research and entrepreneurship, BC can ensure it has a diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce that is equipped to help our industries establish global leadership positions in a range of newly emerging sectors."

BC research universities are keen to continue their role as important contributors and enablers of provincial prosperity. RUCBC members produce over 27,000 graduates each year who go on to employment opportunities in all areas of society. Whether it's UBC and UBC Okanagan contributing to cancer research and vaccine technology; engineering and food security innovations from Simon Fraser University that support innovation in our agriculture and agritech sectors; advances in sustainable and alternative energy systems from the University of Victoria that are contributing to the provision of affordable and clean energy to remote communities; Thompson Rivers University online learning platform that enables all British Columbians to access high-quality education; Royal Roads business programs that are helping to advance environmental and social good in boardrooms; or the University of Northern British Columbia contributions to an improved understanding of sustainable forest management; our research universities are positioned and ready to collaborate with industry, communities, Indigenous peoples, governments and non-profits to realize the mission-led goals and contribute to the development of the new strategies and future-looking initiatives identified throughout the plan. We look forward to expanding our partnerships and collaborative ventures and continuing to build a world-leading talent pool that support the vigorous economic growth that will enable inclusive prosperity in all corners of the province and in all parts of society.