Strengthening local communities

Our position

Universities in Canada are supporting local economies, and the well-being and success of people in their communities.

Universities are improving and enriching the lives of Canadians and play and important role in supporting their surrounding communities. They are finding solutions to local and national issues, such as the climate crisis, rapid technological developments, housing, reconciliation, health and well-being, and much more. The positive changes they create have a lasting impact on local communities.

Universities play a central role in fostering strong, resilient and more inclusive communities that are the driving force of our sustainable and equitable future for all Canadians.

Background and context

How universities are helping their communities

Universities drive local economic growth. They provide employment opportunities, with some universities being the main employer in their regions. It is estimated that in Canada, universities employ nearly 410,000 individuals, including professors, student teaching assistants and those operating campus shops and facilities. Universities also contribute to the Canadian economy by attracting global talent and producing over 345,000 new graduates every year who are ready to join the workforce. They also provide essential infrastructure and services to their surrounding communities. For example, universities share libraries, theatres, museums, recreational facilities, health care clinics, daycares and legal aid services with the larger community.

They conduct research for their local communities, provide evidence and knowledge to local governments, decision-makers and stakeholders that help inform and develop public policy. The funds and resources they share, which otherwise might be limited for community partners to conduct their own research, are a vital part of how universities strengthen local communities.

Universities are also bringing together stakeholders from communities, other educational institutions, governments and the private sector in Canada to find solutions to pressing community challenges. These partnerships strengthen campuses, exposing students and researchers to diverse perspectives, methods and expertise.

How Universities Canada is supporting these efforts

To respond to social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges faced by communities, Universities Canada has worked with its members to:

• Make a series of commitments towards public impact. The five commitments include serving all Canadians, pursuing excellence, responding to society, mobilizing people and ideas, stimulating innovation and growth.
• Stand by eight principles of public impact. The principles reflect local communities, engaged learning, community-driven research, knowledge exchange, recognition, assets, governance and reporting.
• Collect data through a survey with members and with roundtables across the country to better understand how Canada’s universities are strengthening their local communities and to identify next steps.