Association Of Canadian Community Colleges

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is a voluntary membership organization established in 1972 that represents public colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and CEGEPs in Canada. The organization advocates for its members with the federal government, policymakers, and industry, facilitates strategic planning and knowledge sharing among college sector leaders, and supports domestic and international development through federally funded social impact programs. These initiatives often involve close collaboration with its members, industry partners, and local governments.

Membership

Members

As of 2024, CICan has 134 members across Canada, comprising 676 locations in total—134 main campuses and 542 satellite campuses.

As the national voice of Canada's public colleges and institutes, CICan's membership is exclusive to Canadian publicly funded post-secondary institutions classified as colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, university colleges, or universities with a college mandate, as well as other similar post-secondary institutions.

Associate Members

CICan also offers associate membership to partner organizations and associations with similar missions, such as provincial associations, non-profits, and consortiums.

Governance

CICan is governed by a board consisting of six regional directors representing each region of Canada, six at-large directors who are institutional heads, and four at-large directors from the public sector. The association is led by a President and CEO appointed by the Board. Regional directors serve as the presidents or directors general of their respective institutions.

History and Influence

The history of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), formerly known as the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), spans over fifty years, marking significant milestones in education, advocacy, applied research, immigration, and international partnerships.

1967-1972

The roots of CICan trace back to the formation of the National Commission for the Community College in Canada (CCCC) in 1967, which advocated for a national body to represent colleges and institutes in Canada. This led to the founding of ACCC in 1972, with Alan Goldenberg as its first President and CEO. Early on, the organization took an advocacy role, hosting conferences and securing funding for various initiatives, including international development projects.

1970s - 1980s

Throughout the 1970s, ACCC grew rapidly, establishing itself as a strong advocacy body and expanding its international footprint. By 1979, it had developed key partnerships with federal departments and initiated significant programs with international partners. The 1980s saw the ACCC grow its reach in research and environmental initiatives, while also solidifying its international presence through development projects across the globe. The college sector saw an increase in interest and capacity to conduct research, establishing its expertise in industry-driven applied research.

1990s

The 1990s saw the strategic relocation of the ACCC Secretariat offices from Toronto to Ottawa, Canada's capital city, to facilitate its advocacy efforts and build fruitful relationships with the federal government and other national organizations. The relocation allowed for more effective advocacy, which was realized in 1997 when the newly established Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) included colleges and institutes as eligible institutions for federal research funding.

2000s

The new millennium saw ACCC expand its influence and focus on international collaborations, federal research funding expansion, and social issues. In 2006, it hosted its first Indigenous Education Symposium and began numerous projects for community development. The launch of the "Education for Employment" framework and Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP) in 2007 marked its growing role in international and domestic development. CICan continued to push for policy changes, securing millions in funding for campus infrastructure.

In 2001, CICan and its members played a pivotal role in the establishment of Tra Vinh Community College (now Tra Vinh University) in Vietnam, a project that began under a Global Affairs Canada program. Four Canadian institutions collaborated to develop vocational training programs tailored to the local needs of Tra Vinh, focusing on applied research, project-based learning, and gender inclusion. This partnership helped transform the region by fostering a skilled workforce, and the Canadian community college model continues to influence vocational education across Vietnam.

2010s

Between 2010 and 2019, several key developments occurred, including the rebranding from the ACCC to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). In 2014, CICan launched its Indigenous Education Protocol, reflecting the sector's commitment to accelerating reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

2020s

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted CICan to pivot to virtual platforms in 2020, ensuring it could continue supporting education and workforce development during the crisis. In 2021, the pandemic underscored Canada's critical labour shortage in long-term care. In response, CICan, in collaboration with Saskatchewan Polytechnic—one of its members—developed the ''Building Capacity in Long-Term Care'' program.

Present

Reforms to Canada's immigration policy and international student program

In 2024, the Government of Canada announced plans to reduce immigration levels by limiting the number of international student permits issued annually. The reforms also included significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, restricting eligibility to graduates of select programs aligned with federal labor market priorities. CICan criticized the swift implementation of the policy reforms and the lack of consultation with post-secondary institutions or provincial and territorial governments. The association warned that the decision would have serious repercussions for Canadian communities and the economy.

In December 2024, CICan President and CEO Pari Johnston highlighted these concerns on ''The House'', a CBC News podcast. She emphasized that "restricting work permit eligibility to national labor market needs ..runs counter to the realities of Canada's economy, which operates with a more regional approach to labor."

Past Presidents

See also

* Higher education associations and organizations in Canada

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Colleges and Institutes Canada
Trade associations based in Canada
Higher education in Canada
College and university associations and consortia in Canada