International education leaders convene, discuss Canada as a global study destination

October 13, 2022

News

TORONTO – Leaders in international education gathered Thursday morning in Toronto for The Pie News Pie Live North America event, to focus on building connections and advancing international education.

The Pie News covers news and events for the international education sector, and this two-day event convened prominent voices from across North America’s post-secondary institutions, the private sector and government.

The event kicked off with a discussion entitled “The View from Canada,” which featured Universities Canada president Paul Davidson, alongside fellow guest speakers Alain Roy, Vice President, International Partnerships – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Jean-Philippe Tachdjian, Executive Director – Global Affairs Canada, Government of Canada and Larissa Bezo, President & Chief Executive Officer – Canadian Bureau for International Education.

As a leading voice within the post-secondary sector, Davidson spoke on a number of topics including the importance of Canada remaining competitive within the global international student market and the need for improved study permit processing.

“International students enhance the quality of the Canadian university experience,” said Davidson. “They also contribute to meeting Canada’s global talent challenge.”

Davidson also pointed out that the pandemic created many disruptions to the international student market, which now presents an opportunity for Canada to diversify its international student recruitment efforts to new markets.

Data from a 2022 Statistics Canada study showed that international students are a growing source of labour for the Canadian economy that extends well beyond their periods of study. The study shows that about 75 per cent of Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders are employed, their median income has increased from 2008 to 2018, and almost 75 per cent of all PGWP holders became permanent residents within five years of receiving their permit.

“International students are also a crucial part of Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem,” said Davidson. “Our ability to conduct research and make new discoveries that will strengthen our economy is dependent on a steady flow of top international talent.”

Canada is known for its world-class institutions and considered a top destination for study. Davidson also noted the importance of increased federal government investments in the International Education Strategy to meet increased competition from other countries for talent.

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About Universities Canada
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:

Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]

Tagged:  Global connections, Study abroad