News and commentary

By Paul Davidson

President, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

NOTE: In the coming weeks, Canada’s universities will be sharing their visions and priorities with readers through this column, in conjunction with the 100^th anniversary of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

One hundred years ago, leaders from 15 of Canada’s universities met face-to-face for the first time to discuss the day’s pressing issues.

There were no BlackBerries. No women either. Telephones were still new. University leaders traveled by train and ship to McGill, where the meeting was held. Canada was just turning 44 years-old. Later that year, Sir Robert Borden’s Conservatives would win the “free trade” federal election, sweeping Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s government out of office after 15 years.

University leaders were brought together by Sir William Peterson, principal of McGill University, and Sir Robert Falconer, president of the University of Toronto to discuss admission requirements, student mobility and graduate education. This is how universities first came together to work for the benefit of Canadians. So pressing were these issues, they decided to meet again, regularly, but in a reflection of the different pace at the time, the next meeting would be four years later.”

While times have changed, university leaders still meet regularly to address these kinds of issues. Today’s Canada may be very different from 100 years ago but universities continue to help address challenges, improve our quality of life, and position our country as a leader in the years ahead.

As AUCC marks its centennial in 2011, it is an opportunity to commemorate the pivotal role universities have played and continue to play in making Canada what it is and what it can be. At this year’s meeting in October, today’s university leaders will focus on the future needs of Canadians.

AUCC will also host a unique panel discussion entitled, Smart healthcare: The role of Canada’s universities in addressing our healthcare challenges. This panel will draw on expertise from across the country to discuss how Canada’s universities can respond directly to the upcoming health care needs of an aging population.

Another centennial initiative is an online dialogue on the future of university education in Canada which began last month. The University Commons blog (www.aucc.ca) offers diverse perspectives on what university education should look like in the years ahead and how it can meet the needs of a nation.

Canada’s universities are also focused on enhancing the undergraduate experience in Canada. AUCC led a national workshop on undergraduate education in Halifax last March, attended by many presidents and other university leaders, as well as students. This workshop reflected a growing consensus that university leaders must do more to strengthen the undergraduate experience. One of the results was the development of a new online tool to help strengthen undergraduate education, which will be officially launched later this month.

AUCC’s fun, social media-based centennial project involves a small, carved, wooden polar bear named Ursula. She has been on a whirlwind tour of campuses across Canada since May. Throughout the year, Ursula is capturing a slice of life of Canadian universities on Facebook, Twitter and her own blog, www.ursulaontour.ca.

Rounding off AUCC’s centennial year, Canadian universities will open their doors to visitors November 4 to13. “Open Doors, Open Knowledge,” is a series of open house events on campuses across the country to showcase the new and improved research and learning facilities made possible through investments of the federal and provincial governments and other parties.

From 1911 to 2011, the story of Canada is reflected in the story of universities. As we mark 100 years of achievement, Canada’s universities invite all Canadians to be a part of the celebration. Learn more at www.aucc.ca.

OTTAWA – Today’s announcement of $53 million in new federal funding for Canadian researchers and universities is an important investment in building a culture of innovation in Canada, says Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. The announcement of funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), on the University of Manitoba campus.

“It’s very evident that Canada is building the talent pool to be an innovation leader,” says Davidson. “It’s this kind of investment that translates potential into action and gets results for Canadians. The discoveries and innovations of these research teams will help address the challenges facing Canada, improve our quality of life, create new jobs and position our country as a productivity leader in the years ahead. “

Canada’s universities have an impressive track record when it comes to contributing to a culture of innovation. A multitude of new products and exports have grown out of university research in recent years – from improved crop varieties of peas, beans and lentils, to more efficient and safer aircraft, to revolutionary cancer treatments that reduce wait times and treatment costs. University research is also addressing significant challenges in healthcare, changing demographics, energy needs and other areas.

This new investment in research is being made through the CFI’s Leaders Opportunity Fund. It will support 207 projects at 42 Canadian research institutions.

The CFI’s funding is awarded through a rigorous, objective, merit-based funding competition process. A full list of these funded projects is available at www.innovation.ca.

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For more information or interview opportunities:

Helen Murphy
AUCC Communications Manager
hmurphy@aucc.ca
613-563-1236 ext. 238

OTTAWA, August 22, 2011 –Canada’s university communities share in the sadness of all Canadians today at the passing of the Honourable Jack Layton, leader of Canada’s Official Opposition.

“Jack Layton’s tireless and dedicated fight for the interests of Canadians inspired many,” said Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “While he will always be remembered for his passionate leadership during the 2011 election campaign which resulted in the transformation of the Canadian political landscape, university communities across the country are also remembering Mr. Layton today for his commitment to the eradication of poverty, responsible environmental stewardship, accessibility in education and the well-being of Canadian families.”

Davidson said Layton has left the country and his party with an important legacy. “Jack Layton not only inspired and motivated the party faithful, he moved all Canadians with his dedication, passion and perseverance during challenging times. He is an example to all of us of what we can achieve, even while experiencing personal hardship.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Olivia, children Sarah and Michael, and all of his family, friends and supporters at this very difficult time.”

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Media contact:
Helen Murphy
Communications Manager
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Email: hmurphy@aucc.ca
Tel.: 613-563-3961, ext. 238

Statement:

Ottawa, August 9, 2011 – Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, issued a statement today following the announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the opening of three new visa application centres in Brazil:

“AUCC welcomes this announcement. This concrete step will lead to more Brazilians choosing Canada as their preferred place to conduct research and study, as was demonstrated when similar visa application centres were opened in China and India. Improving visa processing times is a vital component of an effective international education marketing strategy, and today’s announcement will enhance Canada’s competitiveness.”

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For more information, contact:
Mélanie Béchard
Communications Officer
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Tel: 613-563-3961, ext. 306
Mobile: 613-884-8401
Email: mbechard@aucc.ca

OTTAWA, August 8, 2011 – The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) is delighted by the Government of Canada’s announcement today of increased cooperation with Brazil in the areas of higher education research and innovation.

During a visit to Brazil on August 8 where he met with President Dilma Rousseff, Prime Minister Harper announced renewed funding for the International Science and Technology Partnership Program, and the development of a new and unique bilateral Science and Technology Action Plan focused on innovation. The Action Plan will encourage Canadian and Brazilian academic and business communities to work together to accelerate the commercialization of research and development in areas of common interest. The prime minister also announced the recipients of the first eleven scholarships granted under the Canada-Brazil scholarship program, a component of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).

“The focus on knowledge and innovation demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to deepening relations with our Brazilian partners,” says Paul Davidson, President of AUCC. “This kind of support for the internationalization of Canadian universities and for collaborative research and innovation drives economic growth and strengthens relationships.”

Brazil is also a country of priority for Canadian universities. AUCC and its members are making concerted efforts to improve bilateral academic relations with Brazil in a timely and focused manner. In June, AUCC led a workshop to advance excellence in strategic engagement with Brazil, bringing together senior participants from over half of Canada’s universities, their Brazilian counterparts, government representatives and other stakeholders. Canadian and Brazilian universities signalled their strong interest in reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships and a shared interest in promoting innovation.

Building on the successes of the workshop and the momentum generated by recent high-level government visits to Brazil, AUCC is organizing a mission of Canadian universities presidents to Brazil in the spring of 2012. This mission will help raise the collective profile of excellence of Canadian universities in Brazil, providing opportunities to advance the Canada-Brazil higher education and research agendas.

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For more information, contact:
Mélanie Béchard
Communications Officer
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Tel: 613-563-3961, ext. 306
Mobile: 613-884-8401
Email: mbechard@aucc.ca