A lab at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B. Across Atlantic Canada, universities are showing how local solutions can address national challenges, writes Andrew Hakin. Photo by GREG AGNEW /TIMES & TRANSCRIPTArticle contentWith a federal budget to drive nation building and competitiveness, Atlantic Canada’s universities stand ready to make every dollar count.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn fact, every major nation-building initiative on Ottawa’s priority list relies on university-trained talent.Article contentArticle contentOur most efficient future is one in which we develop, build, own and operate the technology we need, from generation-defining infrastructure to next-generation defence technology. While doing this, universities must continue to graduate the professionals who keep hospitals running, design our cities and drive technological, social and creative innovation.Article contentArticle contentThe most efficient way forward is to establish a stable balance: educating, developing and training domestic talent while attracting global talent to augment and fill labour, innovation and declining population gaps through deliberate, co-ordinated effort.Article contentLike government, post-secondary leaders want a high-quality, sustainable international education system built on a predictable framework that connects research, immigration and labour-market needs. That vision is poised to take shape in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Education Destination proposal, in which colleges and universities work together to build and sustain international student enrolment in ways that drive regional growth.Article contentBy aligning recruitment, housing and work-integrated learning with local labour and social priorities, the initiative helps ensure international students can stay, work and contribute to the communities that need them most.Article contentArticle contentBudget 2025 provides potential support for this approach, investing $1.7 billion through a new International Talent Attraction Strategy to bring world-class researchers, doctoral students and new faculty members to our campuses. It also commits more than $600 million over three years to expand the Student Work Placement Program, creating 55,000 co-op and internship opportunities for post-secondary students each year.Article contentIn Atlantic Canada, where more than 60,000 job openings are expected in the coming years, many in health care and engineering, these placements can help connect graduates to the careers their communities need. It’s an initiative that could serve as a model for how partnership between universities, business and government can turn national education policy into sustainable growth.Article contentAcross Atlantic Canada, universities are already showing how local solutions can address national challenges, turning policy priorities into real progress.
Opinion: Atlantic Canadas future depends on talent
