Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the committee for the invitation to appear as part of your study on the balance of federal government funding to post-secondary institutions.
I bring to you, as part of my comments, 16 years of experience overseeing research administration at a U15 university, and now almost nine years of experience at a top-10 polytechnic and college.
Today I am here before you to highlight the critical aspect of Canada's academic landscape—the distribution of federal funding and the invaluable role of polytechnics. In a nation celebrated for its cultural diversity and innovation, it's imperative to recognize the pivotal role played by polytechnic institutions in driving research, innovation and economic growth.
As we delve into the intricacies of federal funding mechanisms, it becomes evident that these funds serve as a lifeline for post-secondary institutions, enabling them to sustain operations, conduct research and provide pivotal student support. However, the distribution patterns of these funds reveal disparities and merit our attention.
The college/polytechnic sector only receives approximately 3% of total federal research funding support. While larger research-intensive universities demand and command a significant share of federal research funding, it's essential to acknowledge the under-representation of colleges and polytechnics in this allocation. Despite their substantial contributions to applied research, workforce development and industry partnerships, colleges and polytechnics frequently receive proportionately less federal funding compared to their university counterparts.
In applied research, by definition, we utilize the research that has taken place in the university sector to work with industries and community partners to solve problems and deliver timely solutions. Both sectors are extremely important to Canada.
This disparity not only impedes our capacity to invest in infrastructure and faculty development but also hampers our ability to offer innovative solutions tailored to meeting the evolving needs of industry and communities. In essence, it's a disservice to the essential role that polytechnics play in fostering practical education and training and providing real-world solutions.
The value, however, of polytechnics extends far beyond training. These institutions serve as catalysts for innovative and economic advancement, forging close ties with industry and community partners to address real-world challenges and to develop practical solutions. All our IP stays with our partners, even co-developed IP, which allows innovation to move forward at a faster rate. Our collaborative approach not only enriches the education experience for students but also fosters a culture of innovation that benefits society as a whole.
For example, our faculty and researchers work with start-ups and SMEs, as well as with multinational companies in Saskatchewan and also across Canada. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, for example, was number one in the country for number of partnerships working with industry and community.
The demand is huge, but the limiting factor for us to work with industry and community partners to drive that innovation is funding. We could do so much more if funding were available to support our industry and community partners to move innovative solutions forward.
Furthermore, the impact of polytechnics extends to regional economic development. Through our focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, our institutions stimulate job creation, attract investment and drive economic growth in our communities. We foster tech transfer and accelerate business growth by transforming research findings into commercial products and services, creating value for both academia and industry.
In conclusion, the distribution of federal funding must reflect the diverse contribution needs of Canada's post-secondary institutions. By addressing funding disparities and providing targeted support to polytechnics and colleges, we can enhance access to quality education, drive innovation and foster economic prosperity across this country. Let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in polytechnics as engines of progress to ensure that they continue to lead the way in applied research, innovation and economic development for our country.
Thank you for inviting me here today. I look forward to your questions.