Government Relations

CONTENTS

Introduction

Report on Activities

Focus on Issues
Government Relations
N E W S L E T T E R
IN THIS ISSUE
Teaching-Stream Faculty
(HEQCO) (p.4)
The Postsecondary
Landscape (CCL) (p.4)
Value of University Degrees
(COU) (p. 4)
Teaching & Learning in Large
Classes (HEQCO) (p. 4)
Underrepresented Groups
(Statistics Canada) (p.5)
The Role of Student Services
(HEQCO) (p.5)
Advanced Skills Shortage
(ACCC) (p.5)
Public Opinion on Postsecondary (CAUT) (p. 6)
Immigrant Labour Market
Outcomes (RBC) (p.6)
CONTACT US
Ruth MacKay, Director
Planning & Government
Relations
Ext 4630
ruth.mackay@humber.ca
Jean Biers, Manager
Planning & Government
Relations
Ext 5132
jean.biers@humber.ca
Find us in
Planning & Development
B302, North Campus
D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 1
Government Relations at Humber
With the goal of supporting Humber’s vision of ‘excellence in polytechnic
education,’ our activities focus on maximizing Humber’s opportunities to
align with government priorities and access government programs.
Through relationship building at the political and bureaucratic levels of
government we aim to keep Humber fresh in the collective political mind.
These external government relations activities ensure that we benefit
from a clear understanding of governmental priorities. Keeping our ear
to the ground at Queen’s Park and at the federal level can act as an ‘early
warning system’ and alert the college to changes in policy and program
approaches.
In addition to ongoing contact with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities (MTCU) and other key provincial ministries, we liaise with
organizations such as Colleges Ontario, Polytechnics Canada, the Greater
Toronto Marketing Alliance, the Association of Canadian Community
Colleges (ACCC), the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO),
as well as staff and elected representatives at the federal, provincial and
municipal levels of government.
Equally important is the internally-facing component of our work, which
promotes information-sharing, dialogue, and alignment of key government
relations messages within Humber.
Our unit is available to provide advice and analysis related to government
priorities and processes, and to support Humber interactions with all levels
of government. We work with other departments on campus to maintain an
integrated approach to government relations.
We also maintain an up-to-date list of government contacts at all three levels.
Please contact us for current mail/email addresses or phone numbers.
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This section of
the newsletter
provides details
of government
relations events
and activities
organized by
and/or
participated in
by the unit.
Key Events and GR Activities
DECEMBER 2011
 Provincial Energy Minister Chris Bentley visited Humber’s Sustainable Energy and
Building Technology program to speak with students and hear from graduates of the
program. The Minister’s visit was an opportunity to meet the next generation of
trained and highly-skilled workers in the clean energy industry.
NOVEMBER 2011
 Attended the 2011 Higher Education Summit held by Colleges Ontario; guests
speakers included the Hon. Paul Martin, Margaret Trudeau, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Minister Glen Murray of Training, Colleges and Universities was also in attendance to
address the conference.
 Humber music students provided entertainment at the Premier’s Awards, hosted by
Colleges Ontario and attended by award winners, Ontario college presidents and
board members, and representatives of the Government of Ontario. Humber
graduate Rahul Singh was the winner of the 2011 Premier’s Award in the Health Sciences category
 Attended meetings with MPPs during College Day at Queen’s Park; Humber
Hospitality students showcased their culinary talents at the Queen’s Park MPP
reception hosted by Colleges Ontario and attended by college presidents and board
chairs, Queen’s Park staff and MPPs as well as the Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of
Training, Colleges and Universities.
G O V E R N M E N T
R E L A T I O N S
 On November 25 Humber officially opened the Lakeshore Commons (Building L) at
the Lakeshore Campus. The event was attended by Education Minister and MPP for
Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Laurel Broten, MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore Bernard Trottier,
Humber’s Board of Governors, Lakeshore community representatives, and Humber
staff and students. Humber’s music students showcased their talents during the
opening, and media students had the opportunity to cover the event.
Key Events and GR Activities
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Left:
MP EtobicokeLakeshore, Bernard
Trottier
Right:
Lakeshore Commons
Open Learning centre reception
Left:
MPP Laurel Broten,
Minister of Education
Right:
John Davies, MPP
Laurel Broten, MP
Bernard Trottier,
Bryan Tran
 Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HSRDC) Ian
Shugart visited Humber’s North and Lakeshore Campuses to tour the facilities, including
the Centre for Trades & Technology and the School of Media Studies’ high end digital
training facility. The Deputy Minister also had the opportunity to meet with students
during a roundtable to discuss ’life after university’ and the search for a professional
career
Left to Right: John Davies, President; Elaine Popp,
Associate Dean; Ian Shugart, Deputy Minister; Joe
Tomona, Associate Dean; Ruth MacKay, Director
Focus group with 20 postgraduate certificate
students representing the Business School, School
of HRT, and School of Media Studies & IT
OCTOBER 2011
 Compiled annual report-back for Humber’s Multi-Year Accountability Agreement and
submitted (with Board of Governors’ approval) to the MTCU using a revised, online,
template for the 2010-11 year.
 Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP, Bernard Trottier, visited Humber’s Lakeshore Campus to meet
with President John Davies, VP Finance & Administration Rani Dhaliwal, and Lakeshore
Principal Pam Hanft. The tour included the Lakeshore Cottages, the Fashion Institute, the
Humber Arts & Media Studio, and Building B.
G O V E R N M E N T
R E L A T I O N S
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This section of
the newsletter
highlights
topics related
to
postsecondary
education that
are particularly
relevant or
timely.
Focus On Issues
Teaching-Stream Faculty in Ontario Universities
(HEQCO, 2011)
In Ontario, as in many parts of the world, rising enrolments, reduced per-student funding and a
growing focus on educational quality are putting pressures on higher education. One approach
to handle these added pressures has been the advent of teaching-stream faculty, who focus
solely on teaching and teaching-related activities. This report, commissioned by the Higher
Education Quality Council of Ontario, explores teaching-stream faculty and its role in the university setting.
The full report can be found online at:http://heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/TeachingStream%20Faculty%20in%20Ontario%20Universities.pdf
What is the Future of Learning in Canada?
(Canadian Council on Learning, 2011)
Before the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) shuts its doors, it created one of its final reports
in October 2011 statins the strengths and weaknesses of the post-secondary landscape in Canada compared to the other OECD countries. CCL paints a sobering picture for Early Childhood
Education, Kindergarten to Grade 12, Post-Secondary Education, Adult Learning and Workplace
Training, and Aboriginal Learning. The report also discusses the implications that are associated with CCL closing its doors as well as the importance for more intergovernmental collaborations.
The final report can be found online at:http://www.ccl-cca.ca/pdfs/CEOCorner/2010-1011WhatistheFutureofLearninginCanada.pdf
Ensuring the Value of University Degrees in Ontario
(Council of Ontario Universities, 2011)
According to a report on new approaches to quality assurance in Canadian postsecondary, Ontario universities are at the forefront to ensure that students, employers and universities in other jurisdictions know what skills, knowledge and understanding students have gained from their
programs. The report explains how universities define degree level expectations – the intellectual and creative development that students will acquire from a particular degree, and how these expectations are integrated into curriculum and the learning outcomes of specific courses.
The entire report can be found online at:http://www.cou.on.ca/issues-resources/studentresources/publications/reports/pdfs/ensuring-the-value-of-university-degrees-in-ontari.aspx
Teaching and Learning in Large Classes at Ontario Universities: An Exploratory
Study
(HEQCO, December 2011)
This study explores the challenges of maintaining teaching and learning quality in the classroom
as Ontario universities experience unprecedented pressures in student enrolment increases. It
was found that faculty are seeking and implementing creative ways to adapt their teaching approaches, while remaining in their previous resource limits. What increased classes sizes do
require are additional human resources in terms of training and committed teaching support
personnel. This study identified and highlighted innovative approaches to teaching large class
sizes was included in the report, with evaluations and assessments of these actions is still needed.
The full article can be found online at: http://www.heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/
Teaching%20and%20Learning%20in%20Large%20Classes%20ENG.pdf
Focus On Issues
PSE Participation Among Under-Represented and Minority Groups
(Statistics Canada, December 2011)
A summary of key findings on the characteristics of under-represented youth in the PSE student population identifies the factors that play a role in the decision to pursue higher education. Looking at lower-income youth, first generation youth, rural youth, children of immigrants, single parent households, and Aboriginal youth, this study found several risk indicators for postsecondary participation, the single most important determinant being that of parental education.
The full study can be found online at:http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-004-x/2011004/
article/11595-eng.htm
Supporting Student Success: The Role of Student Services within Ontario’s
Postsecondary Institutions
(HEQCO, November 2011)
The aim of this study was to understand in more depth the scope of student affairs and services at Colleges and Universities across Canada, and determine formal organizational structures of these divisions across the country. Student affairs and services staff were also included in the analysis to share their perspectives and perceptions regarding organizational
culture and structure (student-focused or institution-focused). The study determined that
there was little consistency across institutions with respect to titles and portfolios, and the
way staff perceive the organizational culture of their institution was related to their perceptions of the institution’s approach of supporting students.
The full study can be found online at: http://www.heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/
Supporting%20Student%20SuccessENG.pdf
Educated Solutions: The Student Affordability Issue
(Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, December 2011)
This issue of the OUSA Educated Solutions magazine features a forward by Premier Dalton
McGuinty, along with feature articles on affordability by Dr. Harvey Weingarten (President &
CEO of HEQCO) and Joseph Berger (Director of Business Development and Communications
at Higher Education Strategy Associates). The magazine highlights the importance of
postsecondary affordability and the issues associated with tuition, financial sustainability, assistance and textbook costs.
The full magazine can be found online at: http://www.ousa.ca/newsroom/educated-solutions
-magazine/
Strategy for Advanced Skills Shortage
(Association of Canadian Community Colleges, September 2011)
Addressed to the House of Commons Finance Committee, ACCC recommended an action plan
to help achieve a sustained economic recovery and create quality sustainable jobs. The organization’s proposed measures include support for post-secondary education (PSE), applied
research partnerships and improved educational outcomes for marginalized populations.
The finance brief can be found online at: http://www.accc.ca/ftp/briefsmemoires/201108_FinanceBrief.pdf
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Focus On Issues
What Have Our Students Learned?
(University Affairs, October 2011)
In the Columns and Opinions section of the University Affairs website, HEQCO President and CEO Harvey
Weingarten looks closely at the value of higher education and what we are getting for the investment. The
article focuses on the fact that while institutions claim to train students to be effective communicators,
problem solvers and critical thinkers— skills that employers desire in their employees— most postsecondary
lacks the evidence and measurements to determine whether these critical job and life skills are being
achieved.
The full column can be found online at: http://www.universityaffairs.ca/what-have-our-studentslearned.aspx
Public Opinion and Post-Secondary Education
(Canadian Association of University Teachers, November 2011)
A recent decimal survey conducted by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has found
that Canadians are placing greater emphasis on the need for postsecondary education to be accessible.
With a sample population of 2,000, the survey revealed that Canadians believe the federal government is
not doing enough to ensure everyone has a chance to attend postsecondary, and should focus on lowering
student fees and debt. The survey also asked questions pertaining to the importance of PSE, student debt,
quality, and PSE sector earnings.
The full survey analysis can be found online at: http://www.caut.ca/uploads/DecimaSummary_Fall2011.pdf
Immigrant Labour Market Outcomes in Canada: The Benefits of Addressing Wage and
Employment Gaps
(RBC Economics, December 2011)
A report commissioned by the RBC aimed to estimate the size of the aggregate immigrant earnings gap,
despite having higher education levels than the general Canadian population. The report found that if immigrants’ skills and training were rewarded in a manner similar to their Canadian-born counterparts, immigrants would see an increase of $30.7 billion in their incomes, or approximately 2.1% of GDP in 2006. With
unemployment rates and earnings gaps among immigrants growing amidst increased educational levels,
there is substantial room for improvement in credential recognition and language training.
The full report can be found online at: http://www.rbc.com/newsroom/pdf/1219-2011-immigration.pdf