Canada’s universities ready to support Liberal government 

With the election behind us and a new Liberal federal government set to be sworn in, we extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney, and all newly elected and returning Members of Parliament. We also offer our sincere thanks to everyone who put their name forward to serve.  

The hard work of securing Canada’s future starts now, and Canada’s universities are ready to roll up their sleeves and help. Resilient, innovative and deeply rooted in communities, universities are ready to help tackle Canada’s biggest economic challenges. Universities Canada and its members are eager to work with government, industry and policy makers to fuel innovation, build a skilled-workforce and deliver lasting, practical solutions.  

Canada’s universities are training the nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs our country urgently needs. Groundbreaking research in campus labs across the country is driving medical breakthroughs, advancing applied AI and helping build more sustainable communities. Not only are universities forming citizens and educating business and community leaders, they are advancing STEM and technical training and preparing graduates with the critical thinking, creativity and global perspective required to thrive in a fast-changing world.  

We welcome the government’s campaign commitments to invest in modernizing research, attract top talent and support AI commercialization. The $2 billion pledge for student and senior housing signals a clear recognition of urgent campus infrastructure needs. 

As the new government gets to work, fully delivering on Budget 2024’s research commitments — especially for graduate scholarships, basic research and infrastructure — will be essential for universities to keep driving Canadian productivity.

Now is the time for the new government to affirm its commitment to made-in-Canada research and innovation. Investing in cutting-edge research and the infrastructure behind AI, agriculture, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing will drive productivity and fuel long-term economic growth. Without bold action, Canada risks losing ground in critical industries. 

Canada can’t win the race for top talent without a bold, coordinated plan. As other countries ramp up recruitment and with growing uncertainty in the U.S., delays in visa processing and unclear immigration pathways are costing Canada talent and opportunity. Canada’s global reputation has taken a hit with recent policies eroding the trust and confidence that once made Canada a top destination. 

That’s why Universities Canada is urging the new government to quickly establish a ministerial roundtable, bringing together Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), provinces and territories, industry leaders and post-secondary institutions to shape coordinated, data-driven immigration strategies that support international student success, improve credential recognition and enable seamless workforce integration. 

It’s a smart, practical step to protect Canada’s talent pipeline and strengthen our competitive edge.  

Canada’s universities are all in, ready to roll up our sleeves to help unleash the country’s full potential.