Key stakeholders in international education across Canada are calling for an integrated “whole-of-government” approach at both federal and provincial levels. This strategy aims to guide decisions on goals, targets, and priorities within the international education sector, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive framework. Additionally, these stakeholders seek a forum for ongoing multi-sectoral dialogue to create a stable planning and policy environment.
This initiative follows the controversial introduction of a cap on international student permits, which many in the sector criticised for being implemented without their input. These concerns were addressed during a two-day National Dialogue session organised by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).
The event saw participation from over 225 members of Canada’s international education community, including senior officials from federal and provincial ministries, business associations, educational leaders, community service providers, student associations, and researchers. CBIE President and CEO Larissa Bezo emphasised the need for an ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogue mechanism to build a more advanced and sustainable international education sector in Canada. She highlighted the importance of creating a unified vision and collaborative strategies to address the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
During the event, Bezo discussed the International Student Programme with Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Miller shared his vision for the programme and clarified the rationale behind the caps on international enrolments. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between welcoming international students and addressing domestic concerns, such as housing and labour market integration. A key topic of the dialogue was Canada’s labour shortage, with Miller emphasising the need for a diverse influx of skilled workers across various fields, including trades and critical thinking disciplines.
CBIE and its partners are calling for a comprehensive national effort to strengthen Canada’s education brand and maintain its status as a top destination for global talent. A practical step towards this goal is renewing the international education strategy, which is set to expire this year, to demonstrate government support for international students. This renewal would involve updated policies and initiatives that reflect the current global landscape, support student success, and enhance the overall quality and reputation of Canadian education.
Furthermore, participants in the dialogue underscored the necessity of aligning educational outcomes with labour market needs, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that international students are well-integrated into Canadian society. They also highlighted the potential for international education to contribute to innovation, cultural exchange, and economic growth, calling for policies that support these broader objectives.
