Preserving Canada’s competitive edge: the need for balanced international student policy

By: Gabriel Miller, CEO, Universities Canada

This op-ed was published in The Hill Times on September 25, 2024.

Canada has long been a top destination for highly talented international students seeking education and training. Our universities offer high-quality instruction, world-class research, and a welcoming environment. These students go on to contribute to Canada’s economy and quality of life. 

The federal government’s haphazard moves over the last year to cut the number of international student permits threaten this vital part of the Canadian economy. International students enrich classrooms and help fund Canadian education. Recent policy changes are damaging our ability to attract the talent we need for the future, pushing universities deeper into deficit and hurting Canada’s ability to compete.

The federal government’s goal of better managing the number of international student permits is understandable, given the need to balance economic and social factors like housing availability and immigration system capacity. However, achieving this balance does not have to come at the expense of the international talent we need.

Among other benefits, international students help strengthen our research and innovation. Universities play a key role in giving students and researchers the skills to solve big problems, like improving agriculture or advancing artificial intelligence. The work done at Canadian universities not only boosts our economy but also makes a difference globally.

In Manitoba, for example, Dr. Mark Belmonte’s research on white mould, a major threat to canola crops, is crucial to safeguarding a Canadian agricultural export that is in demand the world over. In Quebec, Dr. Monia Rekik’s team at Laval University is developing AI algorithms that could endow the 300,000 Canadians who live with type 1 diabetes with new freedom to live their lives safely and securely.

Beyond their immediate impact, Canada’s university research labs also serve as critical training grounds for the next generation of innovators, renewing the pool of highly skilled workforce critical to well-paying jobs and the increased investment that is essential to Canada’s standard and quality of life. 

The loss of interest among international students is already evident. Factors like lengthy processing times for study permits, increased financial thresholds, high costs of living in major cities, and the clear message that international students are less welcome in Canada are all driving prospective students to seek alternatives. 

These changes and ongoing uncertainty are damaging institutions in Canada and its reputation abroad. The international education system needs time to assess the long-term impact and adapt to these policies. 

Without a correction, the government must get to work repairing Canada’s well-earned reputation as a magnet for the world’s best and brightest. End the uncertainty and protect universities from any additional changes that will damage international recruitment.

The global competition for talent is fierce, and Canada can’t afford to fall behind. We can’t afford to turn away global talent or risk losing out on cutting-edge research and our ability to attract investment. 

It’s taken decades for Canada to forge its well-deserved reputation as a preferred destination for the best education, training and opportunity.  Let’s not squander that with short-sighted “ripped from the headlines” policymaking. We are ready to work with the federal government. 

We hope they will start working with us.