Agenda

Join us for an evening of networking and conversation with colleagues from across the country and Ottawa-based partners and influencers. Enjoy a complimentary drink, followed by a cash bar, along with a selection of hors d’oeuvres.

Algonquin Helper Jerry Lanouette will open the day with a traditional Algonquin welcoming and reflection.

Just days before the federal election, national pollster David Coletto will share an in-depth analysis of Canadians’ perceptions of our sector as well as the major forces shaping the country as we prepare for a new government.

As Canada navigates rapid geopolitical, economic and demographic shifts and readies for a very consequential government transition, now is the time for bold, coordinated action by our sector to provide solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges. This session will introduce why building “coalitions of the willing” matters right now, setting a path to new institutional models and system transformation.

The presentation will focus on how the Irish HE system delivers on national skills requirements and will provide an overview of the HE landscape, as well as national and regional strategies, mechanisms, and initiatives which are utilized in Ireland to facilitate HE system delivery of national skills requirements.

Opening panel presentations from leaders across colleges, polytechnics, and CEGEPs will explore the key priorities and new models shaping system transformation and meeting Canada’s moment. These discussions will inform the afternoon’s strategic action tables focused on identifying scalable solutions and opportunities for pan-Canadian collaboration. Coming out of our President Circle discussions, priority topics for these sessions are:

1. Growing Domestic Enrollment (Confederation I)
Presenters:
Laura Jo Gunter, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sean Kennedy, Niagara College
Maggie Matear, Selkirk College
Steve Brabant, Cégep de l’Outaouais
Strategies to attract and retain Canadian students and best practices for engaging new types of learners in a context of shifting demographics and labour market needs. (Confederation I)

2. Driving Digital Transformation (Confederation II)
Presenters:
Lynn Casimiro, Collège La Cité
David Agnew, Seneca Polytechnic
Mischek Mwaba, Bow Valley College
Helene Bailleu, Cégep Édouard-Montpetit
Leveraging technology to enhance learning, innovation and institutional efficiency, while showcasing best practices to accelerate progress and scale impact.

3. Pan-Canadian Competency, Credit and Credential Recognition, Transfer & Mobility (Confederation III)
Presenters:
Ann-Marie Vaughn, Humber Polytechnic
Vanessa Sheane, Northwestern Polytechnic
Sandy MacDonald, Holland College
Enhancing student and worker mobility across provinces and territories is key to improving internal trade, ensuring a seamless, national approach to skills development and workforce participation.

Candace will provide her current read of the geopolitical, demographic and technological headwinds we are facing and the economic pivot needed in our country. This is Canada’s moment and nothing short of bold action is required to accelerate resource development, build critical infrastructure, and support internal trade and mobility. She will also share her thoughts on the shared strengths and ambitions of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and CICan that can help Canada reimagine and implement a robust vision for economic security and resilience.

Building on the morning’s discussions, participants will explore scalable solutions driving transformation in key priority areas. Leaders and partners implementing these solutions will share their approaches, lessons learned, and opportunities for broader adoption.

1. Military Connected Campuses (Confederation I)
Presenters:
Peter Devlin, Fanshawe College
Don Bureaux, Nova Scotia Community College
Kevin Weaver, Georgian College
Darlene O’Neill, Fanshawe College
Colleges have a significant opportunity to offer certified training for high-demand occupations within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).Colleges can also play a key role in supporting those leaving the armed forces and their families reintegrate into civilian life with the aid of government subsidized study. The CAF’s interest in rebuilding ties with educational institutions and exploring new recruitment pathways presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for increased enrollment and collaboration in educating future military personnel. With a number of colleges already operating as Military Connected Campuses, how can we build a pan-Canadian network as Canada seeks to build up its defense and national security capabilities?

2. Digital Campus Canada (Confederation II)
Presenters:
Robert Luke, eCampusOntario
Carley McDougall, Campus Manitoba
Lindsay Engel, Red Deer Polytechnic
The digital learning landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by AI and other tools, scaling of open education resources and a commitment to digital-first learner-centred accessibility and relevance. Presenters will provide insights on how AI is transforming education anddiscuss strategies for building sustainable digital learning ecosystems that support future-ready graduates. As Canada seeks to boost productivity in our workers and our SMEs via upskilling and derisking technology uptake, how can our sector become a central part of the solution?

3. Atlantic Credential Evaluation (ACE) (Confederation III)
Presenters:
Pierre Zundel, Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
Mary Butler, New Brunswick community College
Ann Drennan, Loyalist College
Diane Sénéchal, Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
ACE is transforming skill assessment by focusing on competencies, leveraging technology, and expanding access. Led by Atlantic Colleges Atlantique (ACA), this modernized and innovative approach streamlines learning pathways, enhances labour mobility, and helps businesses access a skilled workforce. As Canada seeks to bring down internal trade and labour mobility barriers, how can we scale this beyond the Atlantic region?

After exploring scalable solutions, participants will remain in the same breakout rooms and split into two groups for working sessions to discuss actionable next steps – either exploring how to adopt and scale an existing solution or brainstorming new approaches., all with an eye on how CICan can support.

Workshop Option A: Scaling a Solution
Interested in getting involved and adopting one of the solutions you’ve just heard about? Sit down with its presenters to discuss collaboration, partnership and implementation at your institution. With guidance from a CICan moderator, the group will explore potential roadblocks, opportunities for adaptation, and coalition-building strategies for scaling impact.

Workshop Option B: Building a New Approach
If none of the featured solutions align with your institution’s needs, or if you have another promising idea, join a brainstorming table. Led by a CICan moderator, these discussions will focus on developing new, tangible, and actionable solutions to shared challenges. A record of key takeaways will be compiled and shared on the final day of the Summit, informing future Presidents Circle discussions, CICan advocacy and program development on behalf of members, and other sector-wide initiatives.

A leading voice on U.S. economic policy and author of the influential book, The Once and Future Worker, Oren will examine how tectonic shifts in U.S. economic strategies to reshore production are shaping labour, immigration and post-secondary education policy in the United States.

Respondent Panel:

Sean Speer – Editor-at-Large, The Hub
Sean Speer is the editor-at-large at The Hub and a senior fellow at Carleton University and the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. He previously served as a senior economic adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Chris Gardner, President & CEO, Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA)
Chris Gardner has led ICBA since 2017, winning the Reed Award for best trade association in 2019 and 2021. Previously, he held senior roles at Civeo and Britco and served as principal secretary to British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.

Jennifer Ditchburn, President & CEO, Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP)
Jennifer Ditchburn is an executive and communicator focused on making public policy issues more accessible to Canadians. She was Editor-in-Chief of Policy Options from 2016-2021 and has over 20 years of experience in national journalism. Jennifer has won multiple awards, including three National Newspaper Awards, and was named one of the 10 most influential Hispanic Canadians in 2015.

With Pari Johnston moderating, panelists will reflect on Oren Cass’s insights and what they could mean for Canada. They will discuss the economic forces shaping our country right now and explore implications for Canada’s industrial and workforce development strategy and the role and response by our post-secondary sector.

Use this time to connect with colleagues, prepare for the evening program, or take a moment to get outside and unwind.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of outstanding individuals! Tonight, we honour Paul and Gerri Charette for their outstanding generosity and commitment to student success in our system through their bursary program. We will also recognize Alain Roy, CICan’s newly retired Vice-President of Programs and Partnerships, and Anna Toneguzzo, Vice-President, External and Member Relations, who will retire in August. Their dedication and impact on our sector have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we can’t wait to honor their achievements. Enjoy a delicious selection of food stations while mingling with peers and raising a glass to leadership, excellence, and a bright future ahead!