Canadians see universities as community anchors in a changing economy, new polling says

OTTAWA — Canadians are increasingly confident in their universities as institutions that serve the public good, strengthen local communities and help prepare the country for long-term economic and social challenges. New national research suggests their impact is widely felt — even if it is not always easy to trace to a single moment or place.

Polling from Universities Canada and Abacus Data shows public trust in Canadian universities is rising at a moment of growing economic uncertainty and global competition. Nearly two-thirds, 61 percent, say they trust universities to act in the public interest.

“Our research shows Canadians are looking for reassurance right now — from government, public institutions and the organizations they trust,” said David Coletto, Founder and CEO of Abacus Data. “Universities are well positioned to provide that reassurance by showing how strong public institutions can help steady uncertainty and contribute to a more optimistic future.”

That confidence reflects the vital role universities play in Canadian communities. More than three-quarters of Canadians say universities are anchors of their local economy that create jobs and help to grow businesses. In addition, nearly four in five Canadians say universities help prepare Canada’s workforce and strengthen systems such as health care and technology that underpin the country’s competitiveness.

At the same time, the research exposes an important nuance: Universities’ contributions are so fundamental to our communities and economy, they can sometimes be overlooked or taken for granted. For some Canadians, particularly those who did not attend university themselves, that can make the connection between campus activity and daily life less immediately apparent — even as they recognize universities’ broader value.

“Universities are woven into daily life in ways people don’t always notice,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “They train the nurses who staff local hospitals, the teachers in neighbourhood schools and the graduates who support small businesses. They drive research that strengthens health care, agriculture and emergency response. They turn out engaged, informed citizens. That work happens behind the scenes, but its results show up in stronger communities, and a stronger Canada.”

The scale of universities’ contribution underscores why those connections matter. Canadian universities contribute $45.1 billion to the national economy and support 410,000 jobs annually. More than three-quarters of Canadians — 77 percent —support increased government investment in universities, reflecting broad agreement that these institutions play a central role in Canada’s future.

The findings arrive at a moment when the federal government is focused on strengthening Canada’s economic foundations and public institutions. In that context, universities’ role as nation-building infrastructure — educating workers, supporting research and sustaining communities — has taken on renewed relevance.

Universities Canada says it will continue working with its 97 members to more consistently connect public investment to the real-world outcomes that flow from campuses into communities across the country.

“Canadians know that universities matter,” said Miller. “Our responsibility is to make the link between public investment and real-world outcomes clearer — from stronger communities to better services and opportunity across the country.”

To support this effort, Universities Canada is launching a pilot communications campaign that will spotlight practical, data-driven stories demonstrating how university education supports communities, strengthens services and drives economic growth.

To learn more, share your story or explore how universities are making a difference across Canada, visit PossibleWithU.ca.