Partnering for a Better Future for Ontario

PARTNERING FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR ONTARIO

Full Report 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the Presidents of Ontario’s Universities 01

1. Introduction 03

Summary of Our Commitments and Recommendations 05

2. Moving Forward Together 09

2.1. A Year of Listening 10

2.2. Partnering to Help Students Thrive 12

Helping Strengthen Ontario’s Talent Pipeline 12

Supporting Ontarians in Accessing a University Education 16

Offering Full and Robust Supports to Students Throughout Their Studies 19

2.3. Partnering to Support Our Communities 22

Building a Better Future Through Research and Innovation 22

Ensuring a Healthy Future for all Ontarians 26

Strengthening Communities Across the Province 28

2.4. Partnering to Drive a Growing, Dynamic Province 31

Driving Economic Development and an Entrepreneurial Culture 31

Creating a Sustainable and Prosperous Future 35

Conclusion 38

Appendices: What We Heard From Ontarians 40

a. Adaptable Skills and Experience: 40 What Ontarians Said About Jobs and the Economy

b. Broad and Impactful Research: 45 What Ontarians Said About Research and Innovation

c. A Sustainable and Prosperous Future: 48 What Ontarians Said About the Environment

d. A Society and Economy That Works for All Ontarians: 50 What Ontarians Said About Diversity and Access

e. A Comprehensive Approach to Care: 53 What Ontarians Said About Health Care

f. Vibrant Communities and Strong Regional Economies: 55 What Ontarians Said About Community Development A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF ONTARIO’S UNIVERSITIES 01 OVER THE LAST YEAR, ONTARIO’S UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN TALKING TO ONTARIANS ABOUT THE FUTURE.

Through our survey, a series of roundtables, and at several conferences, many thousands of Ontarians have shared their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the province, and the hopes and concerns they have as they look to the future. In all, we reached more than half a million Ontarians through social media, our newsletters, and events like the Ontario Universities’ Fair. More than 30,000 visitors came to the Ontario’s Universities website to join the conversation, and more than 6,390 people took our online survey. We held or attended several dozen roundtables, consultations and conferences, hearing in the process from more than 1,000 business, government, and community leaders. On top of that, we spoke to experts and reviewed the latest research and reports to understand where the world is heading and how Ontarians will be affected. The insights and perspectives we collected were diverse, thoughtful and incisive. We are pleased to share them with you, and to outline how we plan to work with Ontarians to turn them into action. More than anything, Ontarians spoke about the need for the province to come together to build a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future. Ontario’s universities share the same conviction and are strongly committed to working in partnership with all Ontarians to help bring this vision for a better future to life. We hope you will join us on the journey – and keep the conversation going for years to come.

— The Presidents of Ontario’s Universities 02 #FUTURING

A Year of Listening As part of our listening 36,000+ 6,394 1,000+ campaign, #futuring, Visitors to the Ontario’s Universities People who completed Business, government we asked Ontarians to tell website: ontariosuniversities.ca our online survey and community leaders at us their hopes, concerns, round-tables, community ideas and aspirations breakfasts, consultations, for the province. conferences, and meetings We engaged with: 130,000+ 13,10 0+ Students, parents and educa- People who engaged with tors who attended the Ontario Ontario’s Universities on Universities’ Fair social media

Visitors to the 2016 Ontario Universities’ Fair take part in the #futuring initiative. INTRODUCTION 03 INTRODUCTION

Principles Ontarians The world is changing at Over the past year, Ontario’s universities Emphasized have carried out an extensive listening initia- a rapid pace: Our present tive, #futuring, reaching out and engaging with Partner up: tens of thousands of Ontarians who told us Ontario’s challenges is constantly evolving, and cannot be overcome their hopes for the future, what keeps them up by any one person, our future seems both at night, what issues our leaders need to focus organization or sector. glowing with opportunity on, and how universities can make valuable Employers of all contributions to a brighter future. sizes, universities, colleges, service and challenged by We wanted straight talk from Ontarians providers, government, unpredictable disruptions. on our role in producing graduates who are policymakers, and ready to make immediate and valuable con- hospitals all need to Ontarians see the world transforming around tributions to the province; on our relationship work together to create holistic solutions that them. They want the knowledge that will allow with communities; on our role in research and work for everyone in them to master new technologies, the skills innovation; and on the wider economic and our society. We need a that will help them thrive in the jobs of today social challenges that we believe we can help society of partners, not a and tomorrow, and the modern services that the province meet. society of silos. will advance society and improve their lives, We received these kinds of thought- Think big picture: their community, and the planet. provoking insights through a far-reaching online The broad and multi- Imagine a world where a wrist watch can survey, via social media conversations, at a faceted challenges that detect cancer in the body, where cars drive series of roundtables with leading thinkers from lie ahead for Ontario will require equally broad and themselves, and where new clean tech- every sector, and from thousands of students multi-faceted solutions. nologies have preserved our natural world and parents at the Ontario Universities’ Fair. To thrive in tomorrow’s while creating jobs and economic prosperity. So what did we learn? world we need to see Ontario’s universities are helping develop The overriding message is that Ontarians our opportunities and challenges as such life-changing discoveries – knowing that are optimistic about the future. They are excit- intertwined, and we need we must also help reimagine the skills and ed about the positive changes technology can to think imaginatively and technologies that citizens will need to thrive in bring, and about the ability of future genera- boldly to best seize and a world being transformed by automation and tions to contribute to a thriving province. They confront them. machine learning. believe Ontario’s biggest strength is its people When society undergoes such a metamor- and its talent. They love the province’s diversi- phosis, institutions of all kinds need to come ty and inclusiveness and believe it’s an advan- together and dream big − implementing the tage it can build upon. innovative ideas that drive success. University At the same time, they are concerned about research and expertise has played an import- how the province will tackle the substantial ant role in Ontario and Canada’s progress and economic and social challenges that lie ahead, prosperity for more than 150 years; and today’s including adapting to the technologies that disruptions will call for new, exciting solutions threaten job security, ensuring the health-care that extend beyond campus walls and run deep system remains robust and ready for an aging into the soil that helps farmers feed us, the population, and confronting the dangers of transit tracks that keep us moving, the factory climate change. They also expect a just society floors that help us prosper and the hospital where Aboriginal communities and all low- wards that save our lives. income or disadvantaged groups have equal access to the same hope and opportunity. 04 INTRODUCTION

In the face of such challenges, they look Supporting our communities. for Ontario’s decision-makers to think big on We are committed to helping enhance the solutions that will help citizens be ready for quality of life for Ontarians through our research tomorrow. Above all, Ontarians want policies and local partnerships in areas such as health and decisions to be based on partnerships; care, the aging population, municipal services, they expect institutions such as universities, infrastructure, transit and arts and culture. colleges, and hospitals to work hand in hand with governments, business, planners and Driving a growing, dynamic province. other stakeholders to create solutions that We are committed to helping our economy benefit everyone. grow by educating the talented graduates They want a society of partners, not a that employers need to be competitive here society of silos. and abroad; supporting entrepreneurism and As well as secure jobs, Ontarians want innovation; attracting the best talent to Ontario to strengthen their communities by building from around the world; and contributing to the robust and flexible health care, cutting-edge clean technologies and low-carbon practices businesses, and enriching cultural experienc- to help promote sustainable growth. es that are pivotal to ensuring we can all lead fulfilling lives from kindergarten through to our This report details how Ontario’s universities senior years. are ready to work with partners across the pri- We think these opinions and suggestions vate and public sectors to achieve these three provide an inspirational blueprint for Ontario’s important goals. future. We believe that through our research, our knowledge-sharing and the young minds Each section includes a summary of: that pass through our classrooms, we can help every single Ontarian thrive and enjoy a better What Ontarians Want: quality of life. The important messages we received from From the insights gathered over the past Ontarians during our listening initiative. year, we have produced this report, Partnering for a Better Future for Ontario, which examines Ontario Universities’ Commitments: Ontarians’ feedback, using it to shape uni- The actions and policies Ontario universities versities’ own commitments to help forge a intend to embrace in order to meet these prosperous and hopeful province, as well as hopes and concerns. our recommendations to governments and policy makers. How Government Can Help: We believe that Ontario’s brand as an open Our recommendations to policy makers and and cosmopolitan society, with a high quality the provincial government to help universities of life, a large talent pool and an innovative and our many partners achieve these goals for tech and business environment, gives us a a brighter future. global edge at a time when some of Canada’s major competitors are becoming more insular. We heard from many thousands of Ontarians as This is Ontario’s moment to shine, and our we honed these ideas and prepared these com- 21 universities will work with our partners mitments and recommendations. But we know across all sectors to drive economic prosperity that there are still plenty of ideas to be shared and improve quality of life in three key ways: and plenty to discuss as we work together to build a better future for Ontario. It’s only by Helping students thrive. sharing insights and forming partnerships that We are committed to nurturing successful we will face the changes taking place in our citizens and strengthening Ontario’s talent world and come out stronger than ever before. pipeline, by preparing every student with the Ontario’s universities are ready to work with skills they need for the workforce now and in partners across the province to help ensure this the future, expanding experiential learning in happens and to help Ontarians and the province their programs, providing career, social and as a whole thrive in tomorrow’s world. l mental-health support, and ensuring that every young Ontarian who is qualified for a place in university has access. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 05 SUMMARY OF OUR COMMITMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

what ontarians want, how universities can how government can help partner for a brighter future, and what • Provide financial support for new government can do to help technology and innovative teaching methods to help ensure all students can Partnering to continue to enjoy an enriching educational Help Students Thrive experience while also developing the core skills they need for the future. Helping Develop a Strong Talent Pipeline what ontarians want • Invest in experiential learning through: • Education that gives students flexible and — Sustained funding for a full range of ex- adaptable skills – such as critical thinking, periential learning at universities; problem solving, communication, teamwork and creativity – to help them thrive through- — Incentives to employers, particularly small out their career. businesses and not-for-profit organizations, to partner with universities to create • Co-ops, internships, lab work, research proj- more experiential learning opportunities ects and other experiential learning opportu- for all students, including Aboriginal nities that prepare students for the workforce. students, those with disabilities and other • Partnerships among employers, universities underrepresented students; and and colleges to boost experiential learn- — Development, in collaboration with uni- ing and ensure Ontario continues to have a versity, college and employer partners, strong talent pipeline. of an online province-wide information resource to encourage and support employers to provide experiential learning ontario universities’ commitments • Ensure students graduate with the knowl- opportunities for students. edge, skills and experience needed to thrive in the workplace and be successful global citizens in today’s and tomorrow’s world. Supporting Ontarians in Accessing a University Education • Establish explicit learning outcomes in what ontarians want every program and department so students • An inclusive society in which all Ontarians graduate with the necessary knowledge and can contribute to and benefit from the adaptable skills, as well as with the ability province’s economic success. to explain them to prospective employers. • Stronger relationships with Aboriginal • Ensure that all students benefit from ex- communities and a focus on ensuring periential learning that exposes them to they have the tools to thrive, including the demands of workplaces and improves by increasing their participation rate in their employability, interpersonal skills, and postsecondary education. transition to the workforce. • Increased access to university for under- • Further develop robust partnerships with represented groups, and more culturally employers in order to increase the number sensitive supports for them on campus. of experiential learning opportunities. 06 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

ontario universities’ commitments how government can help • Ensure that any Ontarian who is willing and • Increase the investment in culturally- qualified can gain a university education. sensitive student services and the implementation of cultural awareness and • Ensure prospective students have the safety training for students, faculty and staff. support and resources they need to make an informed decision about their • Work with universities, colleges, students and postsecondary education. providers to develop a whole-of-community mental health and wellness strategy that: • Develop and implement plans to support and increase access for Aboriginal peoples, — Clearly defines roles and responsibilities under-represented youth and first-genera- for government ministries, postsecondary tion university students. institutions, student associations, health care and community organizations; how government can help • Help high schools prepare students for the — Ensures that all postsecondary students, transition to university by providing training regardless of geographic location, can on managing university workloads, financial access gender and culturally-sensitive literacy and living independently. mental health services and supports that are timely, effective, flexible, and • Continue to improve access to data about provided in a safe and comfortable in-demand jobs and marketable skills, so environment; and students and parents can better assess career opportunities. — Emphasizes prevention and harm reduction as important elements of • Increase investments to attract and support mental health priorities. Aboriginal students, including incentives to increase the numbers of Aboriginal faculty. • Work with universities to attract and support first-generation university students. Partnering to Support our Communities Offering Full and Robust Supports to Students Throughout Their Studies Building a Better Future Through Research what ontarians want and Innovation • Campus programs and supports that ensure what ontarians want students are healthy and engaged. • A breadth of innovation that helps find solutions to our multi-faceted challenges that • A comprehensive approach to health that span from the economy, to the environment, includes robust mental-health supports. to social policy. • Collaboration between government, ontario universities’ commitments • Offer a wide range of extracurricular initia- universities, employers and industry to tives, career services and other supports commercialize research. for students to get the most out of their university experience. ontario universities’ commitments • Produce high-quality research and inno- • Ensure a safe on-campus experience for all vation across all disciplines in STEM, the students through strong safety measures humanities, arts, and the social sciences, and policies. to deliver real, impactful improvements in • Work with Aboriginal communities to respond the province. to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s • Help commercialize and publicize research- recommendations related to education. ers’ work so that it leads to new products, • Ensure students have access to robust services and processes that improve health mental health supports. care, productivity, public policy and more in communities across the province. • Partner with colleges, government and communities to ensure a broad mental health strategy is in place that serves students and Ontarians as a whole. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 07

how government can help • Continue working with universities to ensure • Work with the federal government to Ontario has the right number and mix of improve research funding. health care professionals working where they are most needed so that all Ontarians • Increase investments in the Ontario Re- have access to high-quality health care search Fund and ensure it supports a wide close to home. range of research and innovation. • Support the movement of universities’ ideas Strengthening Communities and inventions into the marketplace by cre- Across the Province ating a Research Commercialization Fund. what ontarians want • Effective local community planning that Ensuring a Healthy Future for All Ontarians addresses key issues such as sustainability, what ontarians want health, housing and transit. • A comprehensive approach to health that • Support for arts and culture that helps cre- covers prevention and treatment, for both ate vibrant communities. physical and mental health. • Meaningful partnerships between post- • Focus on and funding for scientific re- secondary, private and public sectors to search that will lead to new cures and improve communities. treatments, and provide Ontarians with world-class technology. ontario universities’ commitments • A health-care system that meets the needs • Support and publicize research that leads of an aging population. to services and processes to strengthen our • Community planning and development local communities. that takes into account the needs of an • Help build strong, vibrant communities by aging population. strengthening bonds with a wide range of partners, including businesses, non-profits, ontario universities’ commitments local service providers and arts organizations. • Support and aid in the commercialization • Encourage vibrant community services and of research on medical technology, treat- programs by partnering with communities to ments, processes and services to save lives leverage our campus resources. and improve health-care delivery.

• Support social innovation that leads to how government can help better health services and health outcomes • Work with universities, local governments for Ontarians. and communities to encourage a vibrant flow • Educate the world-class doctors, nurses, of ideas and research that helps spur new rehab therapists and other practitioners who thinking and develop solutions to local issues. are at the heart of our health-care system. • Ensure communities, both urban and • Work with health providers and government rural, and particularly in Northern and in our communities to help increase the level remote regions, have the services and of care for Ontarians, including by support- infrastructure, such as quality Internet ing preventive approaches to care and the access and strong transit, that ensure high development of age-friendly communities. quality of life and prosperity. • Develop a Northern Ontario strategy how government can help that includes: incentives for students • Continue to invest in a healthy province by and graduates to study, stay and work in financially supporting research in medicine Northern communities; sustained funding and health care. for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, including funding for research • Work with universities, hospitals, start-ups facilities and equipment; establishing a and others to ensure that the best health re- Northern Ontario Research Chair to focus search and inventions reach Ontarians when research on issues particular to the region. they need them. 08 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

• Help attract the best talent through mea- Partnering to sures that include expanding the number Drive a Growing, and value of graduate scholarships. Dynamic Province • Provide responsive funding for internationally-matched research projects and support students to take a semester Driving Economic Development and an abroad or gain international work experience. Entrepreneurial Culture what ontarians want • Research, partnerships and entrepreneurial Creating a Sustainable and initiatives that drive innovation in key industries. Prosperous Future what ontarians want • Support for regional economic development • A focus on sustainable job creation and across the province. economic development: reducing emissions, • Support to help start-ups and small preserving our province’s natural beauty and businesses grow. moving toward a low-carbon economy. • Incentives and policies to keep innovators • Support for and development of renewable and inventors in the province and ensure energies and technology. their ideas benefit the lives of Ontarians. • A proactive approach to energy efficiency and wildlife conservation. ontario universities’ commitments • Strengthen relationships with industry to ontario universities’ commitments ensure we are conducting research, fos- • Dedicate resources to building sustainable, tering talent, and supporting knowledge low-carbon campuses and producing grad- translation so that new ideas and inventions uates with the broad skills to contribute to a move from the laboratory to the community sustainable and prosperous economy. and help businesses innovate and grow. • Encourage research into the green technology • Recruit talented graduate students and re- and innovations that will benefit the province. searchers who bring new knowledge, ideas and innovations to various industries. • Continue research on ecological issues that help preserve our natural environment for • Work with our students and our business future generations. and community partners to encourage and support entrepreneurs. how government can help • Ensure Ontario benefits from the best in- • Support advancements in clean technology ternational ideas by attracting international and climate science that will move the re- talent, supporting students and faculty to sults of university research into businesses study and collaborate abroad, and offer- and communities. ing education that prepares students for a globalized world. • Encourage conservation and energy efficiency through funding to repair or retrofit aging infrastructure, with dedicated invest- how government can help ments to postsecondary institutions. l • Support the development of a “cluster” strategy that will stimulate Ontario’s competitive economic leadership. • Help bring new companies and entrepreneurial ideas to life through stable funding for university incubators and incentives for graduates to start a business. • Support a shift from a risk-averse to an entrepreneurial society by providing incentives that attract venture capital, enable business growth, entice innovative companies to Ontario and help start-ups grow and stay in the province. MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER Over the last year, Ontarians sent us a clear message: We need to prepare for the future by building strong partnerships and encouraging bold, big-picture thinking. Here’s an overview of what we heard and a close look at how Ontario’s universities plan to work with Ontarians to follow through on what they told us and help create a better future for the province. 10 A YEAR OF LISTENING A YEAR OF LISTENING

Figure 1

For the last year, Ontario’s universities have ontario universities business council of 69% been reaching out across Ontario and holding survey canada survey1 of respondents conversations with Ontarians about the future of are optimistic How important do you When evaluating entry- about the future the province. consider each of the level candidates, which Through social media, newsletters and following as Ontario of the following skills events like the Ontario’s Universities’ Fair, we prepares for the future? and capabilities are 6,394 have reached more than 550,000 people. More Results shown below are the most important to your Number of averages of all responses. company? than 13,000 people engaged with us through 0 = not important at all, and 10 = Ontarians who very important. Results show the portion of responded to @futuringON, and thousands more responded respondents that listed the skill as important for each type of candidate our survey to individual universities. At a variety of roundtables, conferences, Ability to think critically Collaboration/team- consultations, and meetings, more than 1,000 – 9.05 work skills – 67% 3,068 Number who business, government and community leaders Problem-solving skills Communication skills identified as shared their insights about the future of the – 8.96 – 59% students province. These events were held across the Skills to communicate Functional knowledge province, in communities from Windsor to clearly – 8.84 – 53% 2,290 Kingston to Thunder Bay. Ability to take initiative Problem solving skills Number who We gathered further insights by analyzing with confidence – 8.44 – 51% identified as the latest research and reports on issues that Ability to thrive in People skills/ parents affect Ontarians. environments that relationship building And through an online survey, we heard from change quickly – 8.41 – 48% students, parents and the public about what Knowledge and tech- Customer service skills they are excited and worried about as they face nological skills needed – 39% the future. to adapt to the changing Through the survey, 6,394 Ontarians of all workforce – 8.34 ages, from all across the province, shared their Leadership skills needed Analytical capabilities hopes and concerns for the future. to reach goals – 8.25 – 38% What they had on their minds, first and Work experience – Creative/innovative foremost, were jobs. Many shared with us how either as an employee or thinking – 28% excited they are to start a career after gradua- volunteer – 8.18 tion. Thousands, however, signaled their worries Just-in-time knowledge Industry-specific about job security, particularly as Ontario’s econ- kept up-to-date through knowledge and experi- omy continues to transform. life-long learning – 8.12 ence – 26% Ontarians further told us about their excite- Entrepreneurial spirit Technological literacy ment for technology and the advances it might – 7.27 – 22% bring to our hospitals and to our homes. They Sales skills – 13% highlighted their worries about our environment, and whether we are doing enough to empow- Project management er Aboriginal communities in Ontario. And they skills – 12% indicated how uncertain the future feels today, Leadership skills – 6% and how that uncertainty is at once a source of concern and possibility. In spite of the instability and challenges that lie ahead, Ontarians remain largely upbeat: seven 1 Business Council of Canada and Aon Hewitt, “Developing Canada’s Future Workforce: A Survey of Large Private-Sector Employers,” in 10 said they are optimistic about their future. March 2016 A YEAR OF LISTENING 11

Figure 2: Respondents were asked to what extent they agree with the statements below. Results are average In 5 years... response for each statement, N=6,394

Technological advances will drive positive change Arts and cultural scene will be vibrant Communities will be strong and dynamic The economy will be strong and growing Social supports will be ready for those who need them The environment will be protected and valued Aboriginal peoples will be respected and empowered

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Rankings are from 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree).

And they emphasized that, in today’s changing At the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable times, core skills like critical thinking, problem on the Aging Population, Sophia Ikura, Senior solving and communication are the most Director of Community Engagement and Corpo- important tools for preparing for the future, rate Affairs at the Toronto Central Local Health something that the Business Council of Canada Integration Network, argued that “we are moving also heard when it surveyed companies about away from a fairly siloed way of thinking and what skills are most important to them when working, where people become very skilled in evaluating entry-level candidates.2 their specific area of expertise and profession, As we delved deeper into Ontarians’ thoughts to a world where really the solutions have to be about the future, we heard their optimism about much more interconnected, much more complex, the effects of technology and the strength of stretching across multiple disciplines.” their communities and arts and culture, and their The same sentiment was echoed in a recent concern about environmental and equity issues. report from the Business Council of Canada, These same topics came up frequently in which noted that today, “businesses are increas- the survey’s open-ended questions, in which ingly looking for workers with multi-faceted Ontarians wrote about what they are excited and competencies – not just technical knowledge, worried about in the next five years, and what the but also so-called ‘soft skills’ such as collabora- province and universities in particular can do to tion and teamwork, problem-solving, relation- create a better future. ship building and an openness to change.”3 No matter the issue being discussed, the Ontario’s universities know that tomorrow’s major theme that carried throughout is that an world will bring both significant challenges and uncertain future requires creative and bold think- major new possibilities. We take to heart the ers who can work in partnership to bring about a goal that Senator Ratna Omidvar set for us at our better life for all Ontarians. Roundtable on Diversity and Inclusion: “The best “We need to make sure that those going thing universities can do is to focus on the success- through our education system know how to think, ful experience so that students are able to partici- how to reason, how to be creative and compas- pate culturally, socially and economically, not just sionate, and how to ask questions and challenge in university life, but in post-university life.” assumptions,” one student wrote. By working with our partners to support our We heard a similar message beyond the sur- students, communities and province, we are vey, in the research we conducted over the last ready to fulfill this mission. We are ready to help year, and in the roundtables we held with employ- Ontarians turn today’s disruptions in tomorrow’s ers, government officials and community leaders. opportunities. We are ready to help them fulfil the dreams they shared with us. And we are ready to work harder than ever to help bring their vision of a better future to life.

2 Business Council of Canada and Aon Hewitt, “Developing Canada’s 3 Drummond, Don and Cliff Halliwell. “Labour market information: an Future Workforce: A Survey of Large Private-Sector Employers,” essential part of Canada’s skills agenda.” The Business Council of Canada, March 2016 June 2016. 12 PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

Helping Students Get A university education isn’t defined by one single Helping Develop a Strong the Jobs of Tomorrow goal or experience. Talent Pipeline Students come to university to build life-long Working with communities friendships and explore new ideas, to find their and businesses, Ryerson University has created an passions and use them to build fulfilling lives and Ensuring an enriching educational experience innovative new master’s careers. Our campuses bring together students for all Ontarians is particularly vital today as program in Data Science and and faculty from across the country and around both existing employers and foreign companies Analytics that addresses the world to work on and think about everything looking to invest in the province are putting a current skills gaps and the needs of employers. This from the health of a cell to the fate of the planet. priority on talent. interdisciplinary program Students enter postsecondary – whether A recent report from the Institute for Compet- will produce highly trained college or university – with big ideas and itiveness and Prosperity highlighted this fact. In data scientists using an dreams of the careers, travels and experiences interviews with Ontario CEOs, one major theme interdisciplinary approach so that students gain a they will embark upon through their studies. The that emerged is that “talent is Ontario’s greatest solid understanding of how breadth of opportunity universities offer is what strength. The province is home to a diverse pop- data analytics help improve helps our students build on those ideas and live ulation of skilled workers who contribute across decisions throughout an out those experiences. industries, from welders and technicians to data organization’s value chain. 4 Engaging with industry Ontarians shared these dreams and aspi- scientists and surgeons.” partners such as IBM, St. rations with us over the last year. “There are so As Ontario looks to build up its industries, stay Michael’s Hospital, the many opportunities for children – so many differ- competitive globally and attract foreign invest- Hospital for Sick Children, ent fields of study to find their passion instead of ment, talent is our number-one calling card. But Microsoft Research, the Globe and Mail, and the fitting in to a box,” one parent wrote in our survey. maintaining this strength, further developing On- Toronto Stock Exchange, “I’m excited to see them both find themselves tario’s talent pipeline and ensuring the province Ryerson master’s students and find what makes them happy and fulfilled.” has workers who can thrive in a changing econo- will access extensive data We also heard, however, about the challenges my will require continuous work and investments. on health care, software engineering, social media, Ontarians face. Many Ontarians come to univer- Throughout our conversations over the last services and finance sity and college anxious about what will happen year, we heard repeatedly that the shifts in the to acquire hands-on after graduation. They worry about what jobs will economy today are leading employers to prioritize experience with analytics exist in the future, and about whether they will be a particular kind of talent. They are increasingly tools that are widely used in the workplace. stable enough and pay well enough to let them looking for workers with the adaptable and flexi- start a family, buy a home and live the life they al- ble skills that a university education provides. ways envisioned for themselves. They’re worried “People that can learn quickly, that can about the cost of getting their degree and about pivot, that can problem solve, to me those are whether the right supports will be available when the core skills that our universities and other they need them on campus. educational institutions need to be instilling in As universities and as Ontarians we cannot people,” said Gordon Frost, a Partner at human shy away from these realities. We have to con- resources consulting firm Mercer Canada, at the front these challenges head on and ensure we Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Innovation are preparing our students to thrive in tomorrow’s and the New Economy. “We can’t say, this is world. Doing so will require the efforts of the the knowledge that you will need for the next entire education sector – with high schools, col- 40 years. But here’s the skill set that you will leges and universities all playing their vital parts need to continue to be successful in our rapidly in educating students who can easily adapt to changing environment.” changes in the workplace and build rich, fulfilling lives in a shifting economy. 4 Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. “The Future Is Not Destiny.” September 2017. PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE 13

From Campus to As Ontario’s universities work to adapt to Across the province, industries are transform- Space Station these changing times, our focus remains on ing in similar ways as new technologies emerge nurturing the skilled and successful citizens of to radically change the way Ontarians work. Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy tomorrow by giving students the skills, knowl- Ontario is only just starting to feel the effects of Hansen credits the Royal edge and experiences that will set them up for automation, and as employers determine how Military College of Canada (RMC) – where he obtained fulfilling lives and careers. artificial intelligence might affect tasks or entire a degree in Space Science Ontario’s universities are proud of how well positions at their businesses, they are hard- and a Master of Science in our students do after graduation. University pressed to say what jobs they will be hiring for in Physics – for preparing him graduates have a 94 per cent employment rate five or ten years. for an out-of-this-world career with the Canadian after two years, and 89 per cent of graduates What employers emphasized over the last Astronaut Corps. One of who are employed full time consider their work year at our roundtables and in other conversa- two Canadians who will either closely or somewhat related to the skills tions is that, as technology continues to trans- travel to the International developed at university.5 form the workplace, adaptable and flexible core Space Station by 2024, Hansen says his education Our graduates work around the world and skills – such as creativity, communications, and experiential learning in every field – preserving water quality in our teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking at the RMC provided lakes, leading impactful not-for-profits and – will become increasingly important for tomor- him with the industry helping Canada explore the far reaches of our row’s workforce. knowledge, leadership skills and opportunities universe. As they do so, they see career earnings “It is the soft skills that are important… the that prepared him for a that rise significantly over time, regardless of strategic thinking, the ability to distill and commu- career as an astronaut. In what degree they received.6 On average, bach- nicate information and, in particular, the learning addition to Hansen, three elor degree holders earn more than $75,000, agility,” Shurjeel Choudhri, Senior Vice-President other Canadian astronauts 7 have graduated from RMC, twice as much as high school graduates. and Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Bayer including Joshua Kutryk, It’s clear, however, that the future will HealthCare, told us at the Ontario’s Universities the newest recruit to the require even more from educators. If Ontario is Roundtable on Youth Employment. Canadian Space Agency, as going to seize all the opportunities that today’s Recent reports from the Business Council of well as Chris Hadfield and Marc Garneau. technology-driven knowledge economy offers, Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce it is going to need colleges and universities have highlighted the same needs among large to train the full range of workers that Ontario corporations and small businesses alike.10 And needs to prosper. As Carolyn A. Wilkins, Senior we are already seeing this trend emerging as the Operating the World’s Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, noted number of jobs emphasizing creativity, adapt- Largest Postsecondary in a recent speech, this includes “people with ability and flexibility grow at a much faster rate Co-op Program highly technical skills to program and repair” than other occupations.11 The University of Waterloo increasingly complex technology, and also Universities are ideally suited to provide the operates the largest people who can “perform tasks that may never wide-ranging education that strengthens the postsecondary co-op be replicated by a machine because they require province’s talent pipeline and prepares students program of its kind in the creativity, intuitive judgment, inspiration or for this new world of changing work. Employers, world, with nearly 20,000 8 co-op students enrolled simply a human touch.” for instance, have repeatedly noted that interdis- over three semesters in more A recent U.S. study indicated just how tech- ciplinary thinking is a pivotal attribute for today’s than 120 programs. The nology is transforming workplaces by tracking workforce. The labour market increasingly values William M. Tatham Centre job postings in the auto industry. In 2012, it software engineers with the business savvy to for Co-operative Education and Career Action offers found, there were equal number of jobs post- run a company or English and History majors who co-op students, non-co-op ings in the industry for mechanical engineers can analyze data sets. students, alumni, employees and software developers/engineers. By 2016, Both through interdisciplinary programs and and post-docs guidance however, postings for software developers and activities and lectures designed to broaden stu- through the employment process and in taking next engineers had grown by 207 per cent, while dents’ horizons, Ontario’s universities work hard steps in their career. In 2016, those for mechanical engineers had increased by to introduce students to a broad range of ideas more than 6,700 employers 39 per cent.9 spanning the humanities and sciences. from over 60 countries conducted more than 76,900 interviews through teleconference, webcam/ 5 Council of Ontario Universities. “Graduate Survey 2015.” November 2016. Skype or group interviews in 6 Education Policy Research Initiative, “EPRI-ESDC Tax Linkage Project.” one of the 130 interview rooms 2016. http://www.epri.ca/tax-linkage (Accessed August 1, 2017). or 37 phone/webcam stations 7 Statistics Canada, National Household Survey, 2011. at the Tatham Centre. 8 Wilkins, Carolyn A. “Blame it on the Machines.” Remarks to Toronto 10 Business Council of Canada and Aon Hewitt, “Developing Canada’s Region Board of Trade, April 2017. Future Workforce: A Survey of Large Private-Sector Employers,” March 2016. Ontario Chamber of Commerce, “Obstacles and 9 Burning Glass Technologies. “Manufacturing Shift: Software Opportunities: The Importance of Small Business in Ontario.” 2016. Jobs Now Outpace Production Openings.” August 15, 2017. http:// burning-glass.com/manufacturing-shift-software-jobs-now-out- 11 Ontario Ministry of Finance, “Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the pace-production-openings/ (Accessed August 25, 2017). Economy”, 2017. 14 PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

Offering Experiential At the same time, educating students who capstone projects to give all students the Learning Across have an expert understanding of their fields of practical experience they need to thrive in the Disciplines study and the knowledge they need to become workforce. Opportunities also exist to ensure engaged and thoughtful citizens will always be students can access experiential learning At Brock University, a university priority. And by recruiting students opportunities internationally, allowing them to accounting students from the Goodman School of and scholars from around the world and creating build global networks and be introduced to new Business are partnering diverse, multicultural campuses, we are also pre- ideas and cultures. with the Canada Revenue paring students for a workforce that is increas- From the classroom to the lab to the co-op Agency (CRA) to provide a ingly globally minded. office, universities are committed to growing with free tax clinic for the Niagara community. Students get No matter what program our students choose the times and innovating. We are working with relevant job experience and to enroll in – no matter whether it’s English or partners to continuously find new ways to give are fully trained by the CRA Engineering, a BA or PhD – we are committed to students an expansive educational experience as part of the Community ensuring that our students graduate with both that provides the mix of skills, knowledge and Volunteer Income Tax Program, while community the core knowledge required in their field, and real-life experience they need in today’s and members are able to access the adaptable skills needed in a world where, as tomorrow’s workforce. affordable accounting a recent Harvard Business Review article argued, Universities cannot do it alone, however. We advice during tax season. what matters is “how you think. Can you ask the need to work with government and employers Meanwhile, arts students right questions? Do you know what problem to ensure there are sufficient resources to in Brock’s Department you’re trying to solve in the first place?”12 continue expanding our efforts, whether through of Communications, We know, however, that there is still room to increased experiential learning for students, Popular Culture and Film improve as we work to ensure that all students new classroom technologies, or cutting-edge are encouraged to take advantage of experiential graduate with the right mix of theoretical knowl- teaching methods. learning opportunities edge, transferable skills and practical experience Employers also play a vital role by offering within the Niagara that will set them up for both their first job and a on-the-job training that teaches graduates community, putting in 180 long, fulfilling career. relevant technical skills and helps them transi- hours of hands-on learning at placements over the Employers and students have both repeat- tion smoothly into a new position. By partnering course of the year. Many edly emphasized that high-quality experiential with employers across the province, we can also placements are done at learning opportunities, such as co-ops, commu- ensure that workers who need to update their small businesses that need nity-based research or lab work, are pivotal to skills and knowledge have access to the variety support and expertise in the areas of web design, graphic getting this balance right. of continuing education and online learning that design, communications, Universities are committed to strengthening universities offer. social media plans and our relationships with employers in order to Finally, universities and colleges must con- event planning. expand experiential learning opportunities and tinue working together to develop a strong talent help all students transition smoothly from the pipeline in Ontario. Advances in technology are classroom to the workplace. We have hundreds leaving no sector and no occupation unaffected, of programs across the province that offer co- and it’s only through the coordinated work of ops or internships – but that is only the start of the entire postsecondary sector that Ontario will our efforts. In many cases, universities work have a robust workforce that’s ready for tomor- directly with employers to ensure they have the row’s challenges. As U.S. Federal Reserve Chair tools to set up and run co-ops, internships or Janet Yellen has argued, “we don’t know how fast other opportunities. At Ryerson University, for the economy will grow, what new technologies example, the Career Boost program connects will be developed, or how quickly and consis- students with small and medium-sized tently employment will expand. What is consid- businesses and, in acknowledgment of the erably more certain, however, is that success will limited resources at many of these enterprises, continue to be tied to education, in part because provides 40 per cent of the intern’s stipend in a good education enhances one’s ability to adapt addition to pre-screening of applicants and to a changing economy.”13 support throughout the placement. Experiential learning, however, encompasses more than co-ops. Universities provide a wide To read more about what Ontarians told us about range of experiential learning for students in jobs and skills, see Appendix A: Adaptable Skills all disciplines, using research collaborations, and Experience. community-based learning, lab work and

13 Yellen, Janet L. “Commencement Remarks at the University of 12 Olejarz, JM. “Liberal Arts in the Data Age.” Harvard Business Review, Baltimore 2016 Midyear Commencement, Baltimore, Maryland.” July-August 2017. https://hbr.org/2017/07/liberal-arts-in-the-data- https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/yel- age (Accessed August 1, 2017). len20161219a.htm (Accessed July 31, 2017) PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE 15

Educating Work- Commitments and Recommendations how government can help Ready Business • Provide financial support for new technology Students what ontarians want and innovative teaching methods to help ensure • Education that gives students flexible and all students can continue to enjoy an enriching In order to help business adaptable skills – such as critical thinking, educational experience while also developing students build a strong professional skill set problem solving, communication, teamwork the core skills they need for the future. before they launch into a and creativity – to help them thrive throughout • Invest in experiential learning through: career, Nipissing University their career. encourages them to take — Sustained funding for a full range of expe- part in an experience • Co-ops, internships, lab work, research proj- riential learning at universities; certificate program called ects and other experiential learning opportuni- iLEAD (Learn through Experience, Action and ties that prepare students for the workforce. — Incentives to employers, particularly small Discovery). Business businesses and not-for-profit organiza- • Partnerships among employers, universities students can use the tions, to partner with universities to create and colleges to boost experiential learning certificate program to earn more experiential learning opportunities for credits towards their degree and ensure Ontario continues to have a strong all students, including Aboriginal students, through directed study, talent pipeline. honours theses, workplace those with disabilities and other underrep- internships, service work or resented students; and international placements. ontario universities’ commitments — Development, in collaboration with univer- • Ensure students graduate with the knowledge, sity, college and employer partners, of an skills and experience needed to thrive in the online province-wide information resource workplace and be successful global citizens in to encourage and support employers to today’s and tomorrow’s world. provide experiential learning opportunities for students. • Establish explicit learning outcomes in every program and department so students graduate with the necessary knowledge and adaptable skills, as well as with the ability to explain them to prospective employers. • Ensure that all students benefit from experiential learning that exposes them to the demands of workplaces and improves their employability, interpersonal skills, and transition to the workforce. • Further develop robust partnerships with employers in order to increase the number of experiential learning opportunities. 16 PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

Keeping Students at Supporting Ontarians in Ontario and Canada’s populations are the Cutting-Edge of Accessing a University growing today because of immigration. Statistics Digital Technology Education Canada estimates that immigrants will account for up to 30 per cent of Canada’s population, and Bringing together some of 36 per cent of Ontario’s population, by 2036.14 the world’s top academics, corporations and start- As Ontario continues to shift toward a Statistics Canada further estimates that up to 36 ups, OCAD University’s technology-driven knowledge economy, it is not per cent of Canadians could belong to a visible Digital Futures program only employers who are recognizing the impor- minority group in 2036, with that number being is preparing students tance of a postsecondary education. For the much higher in cities such as Toronto.15 The with the expertise and experience to confidently last decade, Ontario’s universities have seen an Aboriginal population, meanwhile, is growing enter the digital workplace. increase in applications and enrolment. In recent at an even faster rate – by 42 per cent between From data visualization to years the numbers have continued to climb, even 2006 and 2016, more than four times faster than digital entertainment and as the number of young adults in the province the non-Aboriginal population.16 Twenty-seven wearable technology, the program allows students has begun to decrease. Ontarians are seeing the per cent of that population is 14 and under – to explore the future value of a university education, and both high compared to 16 per cent for the non-Aboriginal of digital technology school and mature students are looking for help population.17 But Aboriginal peoples in Ontario through electives, and information to decide what institution and and across the country are also less likely to internships, residencies and independent study. program is right for them. have a postsecondary education than non- The program is overseen Ontario’s universities have set up numerous Aboriginal people.18 by an advisory board that resources to help in this effort. Our eINFO web- Ontarians emphasized over the last year that includes Apple, IBM, site offers comprehensive and easily accessible the empowerment of Aboriginal communities Microsoft, Ubisoft, City of Toronto, Bell, TSN, TVO information about programs, scholarships and is essential to the province’s future. “My dream broadcasting, Xenophile the application process, part of our commitment for the next 150 years of Canada is that it is for Media, Idea Couture, RBC to supporting prospective students in making in- Aboriginal peoples and that reconciliation will Royal Bank, Toronto Arts formed decisions. Universities also work closely be a priority at all levels of government, and that Foundation, SAP, White Pine Pictures and Stone with high school counsellors, and we are com- I can be involved in positive action in Ontario to Canoe. These partners mitted to doing so further so we can continue to achieve this,” one student wrote in our survey. help ensure students are at improve the delivery of information about options Max FineDay, co-executive director of Ca- the cutting edge of digital at colleges and universities and how students nadian Roots Exchange, has further argued that technologies and have the best possible opportunities can best use a postsecondary education to set “the health of our society, not to mention our na- to differentiate themselves themselves up for the jobs of the future. tional economy, will depend on the path Canada in this creative workforce. Ontario’s universities are further committed to decides to walk, now and in the years to come” helping ensure any willing and qualified Ontarian when it comes to Aboriginal peoples.19 can access a university education, regardless Ontario’s universities are committed to of their income, gender, race, or culture. We are walking on the right path. We are committed proud of our diverse and multicultural student to attracting a growing number of Aboriginal body. And we know that bringing greater diversi- students and providing a welcoming environ- ty to our campuses and ensuring that students ment for them – one with spaces, programs and from Aboriginal, immigrant and racialized com- courses that reflect the culture and contribu- munities feel safe and welcomed while they’re tions of our diverse Aboriginal communities. at university is both vital for the sake of our students today and imperative for the sake of the province tomorrow.

14 Statistics Canada, “Immigration and Diversity: Population Projections for Canada and its Regions, 2011 to 2036.” http://www. statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-551-x/91-551-x2017001-eng.htm (Accessed August 1, 2017). 15 Ibid. 16 Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-400-X2016155. 17 Ibid. 18 Statistics Canada. “The educational attainment of Aboriginal peoples in Canada”, 2011. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/ as-sa/99-012-x/99-012-x2011003_3-eng.cfm (accessed September 8, 2017) 19 FineDay, Max. “Rage or Reconciliation?” Policy Options, January 16, 2017. http://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/january-2017/ rage-or-reconciliation/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE 17

Working Toward Across the province, all 21 Ontario universi- As we prepare students to become the work- Reconciliation with ties are creating or redesigning programs to be force of the future, we must continue acknowl- Aboriginal Communities inclusive of Aboriginal learners. At many univer- edging the importance of diversity and inclusion sities, for instance, students can now receive for our province’s well-being and prosperity. As Algoma University, in Bachelor of Education degrees that put Aborigi- Margaret Eaton, Executive Director of the Toron- partnership with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, is nal knowledge and perspectives at the forefront to Region Immigrant Employment Council, said at working to transform of teacher training. the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Diversi- the negative legacy of Other universities are actively reaching out to ty and Inclusion, “today’s economic prosperity [is the former Shingwauk Aboriginal communities to encourage more Ab- about] the fact that diverse teams are teams that residential school into a positive legacy for current original youth to attend university. The Aboriginal prosper and deliver better results for companies. and future Anishinaabe Access to Engineering program at Queen’s Uni- But it is also about that individual prospering, students by offering courses versity promotes math and science to elementary a community prospering, a family prospering, and programs of particular and high school students and supports teachers and… that idea that we can’t prosper unless all of interest to Anishinaabe students. Students move in order to increase the number of Aboriginal us are prospering.” seamlessly between the two engineers in Canada. As we work to help build a better future for institutions, participating Meanwhile, the sector in general is com- Ontario, we must continue ensuring our campus- fully in student life and mitted to increasing access for students from es are models of the diversity and inclusion we cultural activities. This close collaboration reflects the low-income families. Ontario’s universities wish to see in Ontario and Canada as a whole. historic roots of Algoma's provide students with more than $900 million in And as our economy continues to transform campus, which was first scholarships and bursaries.20 We also work with and the value of a postsecondary education created as a direct result of the government, through the Ontario Student increases, both colleges and universities must Chief Shingwauk’s efforts to secure educational Assistance Program (OSAP), to remove barri- work ever harder to make sure that all willing and opportunities for his people in ers to a postsecondary education and support qualified Ontarians, regardless of their income, the 19th century. Shingwauk all students who need financial assistance. We gender, race, or culture, have access to the di- Indian Residential School welcome improvements to OSAP that mean more ploma, certificate, apprenticeship or degree that existed for 96 years. Algoma’s campus started life in the than 210,000 students annually will in effect will help them launch a fulfilling career and help residential school building pay no tuition fees. In 2010, 47 per cent of our develop the talented workforce Ontario needs to following its closure. The students graduated debt-free.21 And since 2001, succeed in the future. Children of Shingwauk Ontario has led the country when it comes to Alumni Association continues to meet and to work with increasing the on-campus ratio of students from Algoma University. lower income families to students from higher To read more about what Ontarians told us about income families.22 diversity, social supports and inclusion, see Appendix Ontarians are rightly proud of the province’s D: A Society and Economy That Works for Everyone. diverse population. This diversity draws more immigrants, attracts businesses and contributes to the cultural richness of communities across the province. We heard repeatedly over the last year, however, that diversity does not automatically translate to inclusion. That’s why we work hard to educate global citizens who are comfortable living and working with people of all backgrounds and cultures.

20 COFO-UO Data 21 National Graduate Survey of 2010 graduates (Statistics Canada, CANSIM Table 477-0068). Data includes debts owed to both government and non-government sources. 22 Frenette, Marc. “Postsecondary Enrolment by Parental Income: Recent National and Provincial Trends.” Statistics Canada, April 10, 2017. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-626-x/11-626-x2017070- eng.htm (Accessed August 1, 2017). 18 PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

Commitments and Recommendations how government can help ontarians gain access to a postsecondary education

what ontarians want • Help high schools prepare students for the • An inclusive society in which all Ontarians can transition to university by providing training contribute to and benefit from the province’s on managing university workloads, financial economic success. literacy and living independently. • Stronger relationships with Aboriginal com- • Continue to improve access to data about munities and a focus on ensuring they have in-demand jobs and marketable skills, so the tools to thrive, including by increasing their students and parents can better assess career participation rate in postsecondary education. opportunities. • Increased access to university for under- • Increase investments to attract and support represented groups, and more culturally Aboriginal students, including incentives to sensitive supports for them on campus. increase the numbers of Aboriginal faculty. • Work with universities to attract and support ontario universities’ commitments first-generation university students. • Ensure that any Ontarian who is willing and qualified can gain a university education. • Ensure prospective students have the support and resources they need to make an informed decision about their postsecondary education. • Develop and implement plans to support and increase access for Aboriginal peoples, under-represented youth and first-generation university students. PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE 19

Inspiring the Next Offering Full and Robust And we know that there is more work that Generation of Supports to Students can be done on this front alongside Aboriginal Aboriginal Learners Throughout Their Studies communities and government. We recognize that Ontario “can’t achieve a sense of belonging Rita Corbiere is an Anishinaabe Elder and until we recognize and remove the systemic and a remarkable educator Once students choose to attend university, it’s institutional barriers that have been placed due whose wisdom has been imperative that they feel supported throughout to historical legacies,” as Sam Erry, the Govern- generously shared with their degree so they can make the most of their ment of Ontario’s Associate Deputy Minister for many learners. Rita has spent the last decade studies and meet their full potential. Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism, noted at collaborating with That works starts in the classroom – but it our roundtable on Diversity and Inclusion. This is Laurentian University, extends far beyond. true not only of Aboriginal but of all minority and where she has made From hackathons to entrepreneurship pro- disadvantaged groups that have been excluded significant contributions to the academic literature in her grams, extracurricular theatre to guest lectures by from social opportunities. capacity as Elder, research world-renowned researchers, Ontario’s univer- It’s important as well that our student sup- collaborator and co-author. sities offer a range of ways for students to hone ports continue to evolve, particularly in response Her role has been critical new skills and gain new experiences outside their to new needs or issues. We know that entering in integrating Anishinaabe perspectives in academic regular studies. And as students prepare to grad- postsecondary education can bring a new set of research and helping to uate, we offer career services to help students concerns for some students. University is often frame research in ways that find job opportunities, prepare their resumes and where students first notice or confront mental acknowledge and contribute succeed in job interviews. health issues – all at a time when they can be to Anishinaabe knowledge. Ontario’s universities are also committed to living on their own for the first time, sometimes making sure students feel safe on campus. From away from family.23 orientation through to graduation, we make sure The transition from high school to university, that students know the safety measures on cam- meanwhile, is not always a smooth one when it pus, and the policies they must follow, so they comes to mental health services. A similar uncer- feel supported in all situations. tainty can arise following graduation. We are also working with Aboriginal commu- For all universities and on all campuses, men- nities to ensure Aboriginal students encounter a tal health supports are a top priority – as they are welcoming and supportive environment on cam- for Ontarians, who emphasized in our survey the pus. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s importance of a focus on mental health across report in 2015 outlined clear recommendations our health-care system. Universities are commit- for how educators can help repair the damage ted to ensuring students have access to robust caused by residential schools and advance the mental health services. We know that many process of reconciliation. We are committed to students already rely on the many services we working with Aboriginal communities to incor- offer, whether its counsellors on campus, or pro- porate Aboriginal histories, culture, traditions, grams like More Feet on the Ground, which helps and culturally appropriate supports and meet the educate students about mental health issues and specific challenges that are laid out for educators connect them to services in their communities. as part of the TRC’s recommendations. Nevertheless, we have to keep improving – The stories of graduates like Donna and we have to keep working with partners in Kimmaliardjuk, who credits the Aboriginal stu- government and our communities to do so. dents’ centre on her campus for helping her cope Having the right mental health supports with undergraduate pressure, and who is now requires a community approach, not a campus- in residency in Ottawa as the first female Inuit centric one. That’s why we have partnered cardiac surgeon, show why these supports and with colleges, students and mental health changes are necessary. associations to run the Centre for Innovation on Campus Mental Health – a hub designed to help Ontario’s colleges and universities enhance their capacity to support student mental health and well-being.

23 Three-quarter of mental health disorders first appear among people before the age of 25. Kessler, R.C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., & Walters, E.E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602. 20 PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

Taking a “Whole-of- We must keep listening to our students, who Commitments and Recommendations Community” Approach to point out that “by partnering with traditional Mental Health providers in their communities, universities can what ontarians want become integral links within Ontario’s broader • Campus programs and supports that ensure Ontario’s colleges, universities health-care system.”24 students are healthy and engaged. and student groups have Universities are ready to work further with our come together to propose • A comprehensive approach to health that an integrated approach partners in communities, the health sector and includes robust mental health supports. to student mental health called government to ensure Ontarians receive the help In It Together that begins in they need, no matter if it’s on or off campus, or if kindergarten and continues through high school, it’s before, during, or after their studies. ontario universities’ commitments postsecondary life and As Ontarians repeatedly emphasized in our • Offer a wide range of extracurricular initiatives, adulthood. This “whole-of- conversation over the last year, creating a better career services and other supports for community” approach future for the province requires widespread part- students to get the most out of their university by government, health- care providers, community nership between the public and private sectors, experience. agencies, student associations and between educators, health providers and • Ensure a safe on-campus experience for all and PSE institutions includes: community leaders. It’s only by working together students through strong safety measures mandatory curriculum changes that we can ensure an enriching education for all to teach resiliency in young and policies. people before they reach PSE postsecondary students. campuses, culturally diverse • Work with Aboriginal communities to respond counselling assessments, to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s expanded use of technology, To read more about what Ontarians told us about recommendations related to education. and peer counselling – all at mental health and our health-care system, see no cost to students, regardless • Ensure students have access to robust mental of whether they live on or Appendix E: A Comprehensive Approach to Care. off campus, in their home health supports. communities or away. • Partner with colleges, government and The In It Together partnership communities to ensure a broad mental health aims to help Ontario become a strategy is in place that serves students and leader in mental wellness, for Ontarians as a whole. the health and well-being of its students, and also for the future of the province. how government can help ensure students receive robust supports • Increase the investment in culturally-sensitive student services and the implementation of cultural awareness and safety training for students, faculty and staff. • Work with universities, colleges, students and providers to develop a whole-of-community mental health and wellness strategy that: — Clearly defines roles and responsibilities for government ministries, postsecondary institutions, student associations, health care and community organizations; — Ensures that all postsecondary students, regardless of geographic location, can access gender and culturally-sensitive mental health services and supports that are timely, effective, flexible, and provided in a safe and comfortable environment; and — Emphasizes prevention and harm reduction as important elements of mental health priorities.

24 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. “Students for Ontario’s Future: OUSA’s Response to the Council of Ontario Universities’ FuturingON Campaign.” April 2017. PARTNERING TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE 21

featured future maker Helping Create Age-Friendly Communities

The rising average age of our population requires creative and interdisciplinary solutions that consider the Ontarians most affected by changing demographics.

This is where McMaster University’s Institute for Research on Aging comes in.

The Institute is a cross-faculty research institute dedicated to transforming the experience of aging now and into the future. Cross-faculty teams engage with older Ontarians, their families, health-care providers and other stakeholders in the process from research to evaluation and the implementation of interventions and technologies. The institute also houses the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging, which acts as a hub for research, education and community engagement in mobility to help create a future of positive outcomes for the social and economic independence, along with physical and mental health, of older Ontarians. 22 PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Fostering Innovation Ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for Building a Better Future in the Auto Sector all students – whether that’s in the classroom, a Through Research and lab, a student centre or anywhere else on campus Innovation In partnership with Ford – is a core priority for Ontario’s universities. Canada, The University of But our work only begins there. Windsor’s Clean Combustion Engine Universities are also always looking out- A large part of our community impact begins Laboratory (CCEL) ward, making sure that the work we do – the in our labs and research facilities, where ideas is engaging in highly teaching, research, workforce development and and discoveries are born that will lead to a collaborative, ground- volunteering – has a lasting and positive impact more productive, vibrant and healthy province. breaking research that is at off-campus and across Ontario’s communities. Over the last year, Ontarians highlighted the forefront of combustion engine technology. Results Ontarians spoke often to us over the last that forward-thinking research, inventions, of this long-standing year about the importance they place on living technology and science are fundamental to partnership include major in communities that have strong innovation, keeping Ontario competitive and creating a improvements to engine robust health care, and vibrant arts and cul- better future for the province. We also heard efficiency, advanced ture. Ontario’s universities are committed to repeatedly that universities need to “lead the combustion control, novel ignition control and working with a wide range of partners, includ- way” in these areas. biofuel adaptation in diesel ing hospitals, governments, art galleries, cul- “When a university can use the tremendous engines. Collaboration tural institutions and community organizations, intellectual resources at its disposal to help with CCEL has increased to ensure the work we do and the students we provide real world, timely solutions to local Ontario-based jobs at Ford educate – whether it’s the engineers or artists problems, those solutions can be scaled up and Canada, which employs numerous University of of tomorrow – are helping Ontarians bring the lessons learned applied to provincial prob- Windsor graduates, many these communities to life. lems,” one parent told us through our survey. of whom began their work Statistics Canada data indicates that the straight after graduation. higher education sector is the second largest Together, the University performer of research and development in On- of Windsor and Ford Canada are training the tario, carrying out an estimated $5.2 billion in next generation of highly work, which translated into 34 per cent of the qualified personnel, province’s total research activities.25 addressing important University research can take many forms, challenges facing the but it is rarely done in isolation, nor does it automotive industry, and contributing directly to achieve results that are felt only on university our economy at the local, campuses. Much of it is driven by a desire provincial, and national to enable innovation that results in the more levels. immediate development of new policies, products and services.

25 Statistics Canada. CANSIM Table 358-0001. Data is for 2014. PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES 23

Turning the City into We heard repeatedly over the last year University research is also driven by a pas- a Research Lab about the importance of collaborative ap- sion for fundamental research that ultimately proaches that can lead to technological, pushes the boundaries of our thinking and For the University of social, business and design innovation. experience far beyond our world of today. The Toronto’s Ethnography Lab, “Innovation by its nature is actually very importance of this basic research was high- which studies and records the customs of people and multi-disciplined,” said Ali Murtaza, Client lighted by the federal government’s Naylor cultures in locations around Innovation Lead at Connected Lab, at the On- Report, which noted that “when quantum the world, the cultural tario’s Universities Roundtable on Innovation physics and relativity were born in the early diversity of Kensington and the New Economy. “It’s not all about the 20th century, no one could have predicted the Market in downtown technology. It’s not all about user experience, array of innovations that would result many Toronto made it the perfect subject for a large-scale the design. It’s a really magical mixture of all years downstream — innovations as varied as research project that aims of those elements to produce the right solution the transistor and semiconductors, solar cells, to document the role the for the right problem statement using the right rechargeable batteries, the laser, the integrat- neighbourhood plays in technology at the right time.” ed circuit, the personal computer, the internet, a city that’s constantly Ontarians also highlighted the value of medical imaging, flat-panel high-definition growing and transforming. the broad range of research that universities televisions, satellites in orbit, and the Black- The Kensington Market pursue. “Today’s graduates are brighter, more Berry, to name but a few.”27 Research Project was born talented and more diverse than ever before,” Ontario’s universities work closely with all as a classroom assignment one Ontarian wrote. “They will carry us forward levels of government to ensure the province in which undergraduate with new discoveries in medicine, engineering and country are continually experimenting and students who were doing a course in research and the humanities to bring us a brighter, more pushing the boundaries of science in search methods put data they diverse future as a country.” of tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Today, artifi- had been collecting into a Whether by helping drive the latest car cial intelligence is advancing at a rapid rate digital archive. Since then, engine technology or working to study and and looks set to radically transform the ways the neighbourhood study record the vibrant history of our communities, that we live and work. But 30 years ago, the has expanded to include Master's and PhD students universities are committed to pursuing this full research into deep learning that has driv- who are finding different and range of work. en these advances was in its infancy, and its creative ways to present their University researchers regularly work with importance was not widely seen. Thanks to the research, and the university local businesses, not-for-profits and indus- support of the University of Toronto and Cana- hopes to create a network tries to ensure their work directly improves dian research grants, Geoffrey Hinton, one of of ethnography labs across Canada so students across communities across the province, whether it the foremost researchers into deep learning, the country can have urban- be through increasing food access in Northern was able to continue his work and become based research experiences. communities, reducing the rates of bullying or the world-recognized “godfather” of one of helping farmers fertilize their crops. today’s most transformative technologies.28 Researchers also work with communities The research conducted at Ontario’s to improve the lives of their residents in a universities often leads to a wide community number of ways, from policy development to impact, but over the last year, leaders from the urban planning. In Ottawa, for instance, the technology sector repeatedly emphasized to city’s police force turned to researchers from us that Ontario can still do more in ensuring its York University to examine the issue of racial inventions and ideas go to market and improve profiling. The force is now looking to develop the daily lives of Ontarians. An innovation report an action plan out of the recommendations that card from the Conference Board of Canada came out of the research.26 gave Ontario good marks overall, but noted that it “might be facing challenges commercializing and reaping the larger benefits of innovation.”29

27 Canada’s Fundamental Science Review. “Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research.” 2017. 28 Allen, Kate. “How a Toronto professor’s research revolutionized artificial intelligence.” The Toronto Star, April 17, 2015. https://www. thestar.com/news/world/2015/04/17/how-a-toronto-professors-research-revolutionized-artificial-intelligence.html (Accessed August 1, 2017). 26 York University. “Racial profiling study offers roadmap for bias-free policing.” March 3, 2017. http://research.info.yorku.ca/2017/03/racial- 29 “Innovation: Provincial and Territorial Ranking.” The Conference profiling-study-offers-roadmap-for-bias-free-policing/ (Accessed Board of Canada, September 2015. http://www.conferenceboard.ca/ August 1, 2017). hcp/provincial/innovation.aspx (Accessed August 22, 2017). 24 PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Ensuring the mobilization and commercial- Ontario’s future depends on research ization of research requires coordinated work. and innovation that will fuel new ideas, new It requires, for instance, “increasing the supply industries and new ways of thinking about our of the scarcest input – business judgment – to social and economic challenges. But as Rick our most promising technology-based ven- Huijbregts, then-VP of Digital Transformation tures,” as two deans of business schools and Innovation at Cisco, said at the Ontar- argued recently.30 It requires the combined io’s Universities Roundtable on Innovation efforts of government, researchers, and the and the New Economy, “innovation doesn’t private sector to ensure that there is support only happen in your or our R&D departments. and funding for research not only in the Innovation happens everywhere. We can make development phase but also in the crucial the transformation only work when we collab- final steps focused on bringing inventions into orate between the private sector, academia Ontarians’ homes or ideas “into the hands of and government.” It’s only by building and decision-makers, policy-makers, business strengthening partnerships that Ontario will operators, and practitioners,” as a recent achieve the innovative future it aspires toward. Conference Board of Canada report argued.31 In general, Ontarians have emphasized that this kind of collaboration – this bringing To read more about what Ontarians told us about together of a diversity of talent – is essential research, technology and innovation, see Appendix to achieving the full possible impact from the B: Broad and Impactful Research. full possible range of innovation. “Innovation is just new thinking translated into the marketplace. So if you have the same people talking about the same issues over and over again, you’re not going to get innovation,” Matthew Fortier, Vice-President of Policy at the In- stitute of Corporate Directors, told us at the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Diversity and Inclusion. At our roundtable on innovation, meanwhile, others commented on gender diversity as a continued problem, and opportunity for growth, in the tech sector.

30 Helsley, Robert and Tiff Macklem. “Entrepreneurial Business Judgment is Canada’s Scarcest Resource.” The Globe and Mail, February 6, 2017. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/ report-on-business/rob-commentary/entrepreneurial-business-judgment-is-canadas-scarcest-resource/article33905688/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). 31 McKean, Matthew. Beyond Citation: Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact, and the Changing Nature of Academic Work. Ottawa: The Conference Board of Canada, 2016. PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES 25

Commitments and Recommendations how government can help support research and create an innovative future what ontarians want • Work with the federal government to • A breadth of innovation that helps find solu- improve research funding. tions to our multi-faceted challenges that span from the economy, to the environment, • Increase investments in the Ontario to social policy. Research Fund and ensure it supports a wide range of research and innovation. • Collaboration between government, universities, employers and industry to • Support the movement of universities’ ideas commercialize research. and inventions into the marketplace by creating a Research Commercialization Fund. ontario universities’ commitments • Produce high-quality research and innovation across all disciplines in STEM, the humanities, arts, and the social sciences, to deliver real, impactful improvements in the province. • Help commercialize and publicize researchers’ work so that it leads to new products, services and processes that improve health care, productivity, public policy and more in communities across the province. 26 PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Helping Transform our Ensuring a Healthy Future for Ontario’s universities are working hard to Understanding of the all Ontarians ensure that vision comes to fruition. Brain In partnership with hospitals across the province, we are ensuring Ontario remains at As one of North America’s University research plays an integral part in the forefront of brain and cancer research, and foremost laboratories for cognitive neuroscience Ontario’s health-care system. By helping de- that it continues building innovative technol- research, Western velop the latest medical technology and con- ogies such as therapeutic robotics to improve University’s Brain and Mind ducting forward-thinking scientific research, the recovery of stroke patients. Institute is transforming university researchers help bring improved Ontarians also emphasized the importance our understanding of technology, treatments and care to Ontarians of a health-care system that pays attention to brain health. The Institute promotes research, trains across the province. the province’s full range of health care needs. highly qualified personnel, This contribution was highlighted by Anthony That’s why our researchers also investigate and fosters national and Dale, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital how to ensure patients move comfortably and international collaborations. Association (OHA), at the Ontario’s Universities efficiently from hospital to home to com- The institute houses the Roundtable on the Aging Population, where he munity and long-term care, and why we are highest field human MRI device in Canada, the 7 said: “Ontario’s health-care system is facing committed to developing new approaches to Tesla magnet – one of only a some remarkable challenges, particularly over mental-health care. University researchers are dozen such machines in the the next 20 years, and universities are going to also hard at work finding ways to keep costs world. Within the last year, be key partners, not just to hospital but all pro- down for Ontarians while ensuring the system researchers at the institute viders, in coming up with ideas that ultimately meets the highest standards. With the Finan- have developed a new brain scan analysis to better address those core challenges.” cial Accountability Office of Ontario estimating treat head injuries and have In a recent report, the Institute for Competi- that health care spending will account for 55 launched the largest known tiveness and Prosperity similarly noted that the per cent of the province’s program spending in study on the effects on the strength of the life sciences sector in Ontar- 2050, up from 42 per cent today, paying atten- brain of sleep deprivation, io, particularly around developing drugs and tion to cost-efficiency is vital.34 which can impair driving abilities and is linked to health manufacturing medical equipment, is tied to the As universities help educate the talented issues such as heart disease, province’s talent base. “Ontario now supplies scientists and researchers who do this work, we obesity and diabetes. world class life sciences training and experi- are also educating the doctors, nurses and oth- ences to students,” the report stated. “These er health practitioners who bring the technology innovative individuals are key to the industry’s and research to Ontarians and ensure that it continued productivity advancements and posi- ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. tive [research and development] outcomes.”32 We know that continuing this work is inte- The report also highlighted the opportunity gral to Ontario’s future. Ontario’s population is for Ontario to lead in the creation of the next aging – it is estimated that seniors will account generation of medical technology: “These new for 25 per cent of Ontario’s population by smart products either treat or diagnose com- 2041, up from 16.7 per cent today – and with pletely new diseases or drastically improve the that comes increasing pressure on the health- efficiency of older treatment methods. Ontario care system.35 has the necessary talent to both design the Anthony Dale from the OHA told us that in hardware and program the software for these these circumstances, university research and devices. The creation of these devices requires innovation is vital. “There is considerable re- the collaboration of medical professionals, high- search that occurs in universities, and within the ly trained engineers, and computer scientists.”33 province’s hospitals, and across other providers Over the last year, Ontarians spoke often and institutions,” he said. “Investment in this about how new technology and medicine have type of research helps to drive innovation and the potential to radically improve health care in facilitate commercialization, while also acting the future. “In five years we could be so much as a proven economic engine for the province.” further in our scientific advancement,” wrote Ontarians also emphasized that good health one graduate in our survey. “We could be on care goes beyond medicine and hospitals the way to curing cancer, understanding Alz- and requires high quality community care and heimer’s disease, or something even bigger.” preventive approaches.

34 Financial Accountability Office of Ontario. “Long-term Budget Outlook 2017.” October 2017. 32 Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. “Collaborating For Growth: Opportunities in Ontario.” November 2016. 35 Ontario Ministry of Finance. “Ontario Population Projections Update, 2016-2041.” http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/demo- 33 Ibid. graphics/projections/ (Accessed July 6, 2017). PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES 27

Helping Support At the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable Commitments and Recommendations Healthy Communities on the Aging Population, Laurie Johnston, CEO of the Ontario Retirement Communities what ontarians want Health Ecosphere is a Association, highlighted the importance of • A comprehensive approach to health that multi-partner collaboration led by York University holistic care and challenged universities to covers prevention and treatment, for both and Southlake Regional ensure they educate students to implement it. physical and mental health. Health Centre that acts “You cannot come out [of a degree program] • Focus on and funding for scientific as an innovation pipeline with a purely clinical approach to everything, research that will lead to new cures and for commercial health because with the older population, so much solutions. Along with treatments, and provide Ontarians with of it is just how are they doing today. Using a University Health Network, world-class technology. the 32 partners involved are customer service approach to how you provide working with businesses service and interact with the individual is • A health-care system that meets the needs and other research often more effective than a scripted or clinical of an aging population. institutes in development of approach,” she said. 37 new personalized health- • Community planning and development At the same roundtable, Sophia Ikura of care technologies and that takes into account the needs of an the Toronto Central Local Health Integration state-of-the-art enterprise aging population. solutions for customized Network noted that in today’s health sector, health management and “solutions have to be much more intercon- care. Technologies include nected, much more complex, stretching across ontario universities’ commitments health-care apps, medical devices and big data multiple disciplines. And I think in this space, • Support and aid in the commercialization platforms. These solutions universities have become very good at training of research on medical technology, treat- provide connected and the best in their profession because they are ments, processes and services to save lives coordinated care across places that tackle complexity and encourage and improve health-care delivery. the system by integrating cross pollination and integrative thinking.” previously segregated • Support social innovation that leads to Ontario’s universities recognize that to markets; helping patients better health services and health outcomes create a healthier future for Ontario, we need with chronic disease for Ontarians. change their behaviour; to continue training the medical researchers, and leveraging big data doctors, surgeons, nurses and other practi- • Educate the world-class doctors, nurses, analytics to develop and tioners of tomorrow because their services rehab therapists and other practitioners who commercialize predictive health solutions, leading will be increasingly in demand in the coming are at the heart of our health-care system. years. And we are committed to doing so with a to improved outcomes • Work with health providers and government for patients and reduced focus on the social and interdisciplinary skills in our communities to help increase the level health-care costs. necessary to create age-friendly communities of care for Ontarians, including by support- and holistic health care. ing preventive approaches to care and the That’s why our universities are working with development of age-friendly communities. their communities, for instance, to increase access to quality primary care. In Hamilton, McMaster University’s Department of Family how government can help ensure a healthy Medicine has partnered with the city’s Public future for ontario Health Service to accomplish precisely this goal. • Continue to invest in a healthy province by Together, they started the David Braley Health financially supporting research in medicine Sciences Centre, which offers care to 15,000 and health care. Hamiltonians currently without a family doctor. • Work with universities, hospitals, start-ups Ontario’s universities are proud of the and others to ensure that the best health re- medical professionals we educate and the search and inventions reach Ontarians when health research we produce – but we know the they need them. full impact of our work can only be achieved through partnerships with government and • Continue working with universities to ensure health providers who can help us bring the lat- Ontario has the right number and mix of est innovations, research and techniques into health care professionals working where Ontario’s hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term they are most needed so that all Ontarians care centres and homes. have access to high-quality health care close to home.

To read more about what Ontarians told us about health, aging and wellness, see Appendix E: A Comprehensive Approach to Care. 28 PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Supporting a Vibrant Strengthening Communities Our students and faculty also regularly vol- Arts and Culture Scene Across the Province unteer in the community, creating new bonds and partnerships with local residents. Facul- The Isabel Bader Centre ty members regularly bring their expertise to for the Performing Arts is a home for the creative arts at The role Ontario’s universities play in community policy discussions, while universities including Queen’s University and a hub health is part of our larger commitment to helping Wilfrid Laurier have partnered with local orga- of vibrant artistic study, create rich and vibrant communities across the nizations to offer community service learning creation and exhibition in province. Ontarians told us repeatedly about the that allows students to develop core skills by the Kingston community. importance they placed on community, and em- working in their community. The 80,000 square-foot facility brings together phasized that the strength of a community comes Universities also open up their campuses music, drama, arts and film from the interplay of many different groups and to offer spaces for people to come together students into a combined people, including universities. and create the collaborative environments that learning center, bringing “Local learning institutions such as univer- sustain rich communities. This happens year- students closer to a sities, colleges, and innovation hubs are vital round, including in the summer when each creative workplace setting and enhancing skills for aspects of building a strong knowledge econ- university hosts a variety of camps and youth their work in the arts and omy,” wrote Gregory M. Spencer of The Martin mentorship programs. beyond. The facility houses Prosperity Institute recently. “However, on their Ontario’s universities are proud to be rich a 560-seat performance own, they do not automatically create econom- resources for our communities, to be gathering hall, black box studio ic prosperity. For this to occur they must have places where people can come together for a theatre, film screening room, laboratories, and a strong ties to local industry and coordinate their football game or an enlightening public lecture. rehearsal hall that exactly offerings with the needs of businesses.”36 Our roots are in our communities and we are mimics the acoustics of the Each Ontario university is committed to committed to being good partners in creating liv- performance hall to allow for working with local partners to strengthen both able cities, faster commutes, affordable housing, a seamless transition from the community they are part of and others thriving arts and sports scenes, customer-friendly practice to performance. The Centre also houses an across the province. public services and beautified streetscapes. Art and Media Lab, a “living We heard often over the last year about the There is, however, more to be done and gallery” to inspire creative central role of arts and culture in building a flour- Ontario’s universities are committed to further thinking and innovative ishing and vibrant community. “Ontario needs to fostering and strengthening the relationships learning for Queen’s support new ideas in science and technology, but that build strong communities. One major insight and broader community members, as well as for definitely not forget the arts,” one parent cau- Ontarians shared is that the particular needs professional and emerging tioned in our survey. “Art helps us understand our and strengths of individual communities need to artists, who can explore place in this world, it helps us communicate, and be respected as we consider the initiatives that where their work may lead. it is invaluable to the human experience.” might help Ontario seize new opportunities in Ontario’s universities are committed to sup- the future. That’s why each individual university porting vibrant arts and culture. Through both works with local partners to identify the best our students and our campus facilities, we work partnership opportunities. to strengthen the arts and culture sector, which We also know that rural and Aboriginal adds more than $25 billion to the provincial communities rarely benefit from the same level economy.37 Universities educate the artists and of infrastructure and services as the rest of the performers, and support the cultural centres province. “I live in Northern Ontario and often it and galleries, that inspire our imaginations. We is difficult to dream so big for many of us aspiring also foster partnerships that demonstrate the professionals. I have been able to experience wide-ranging role the arts can play in society. unique and rewarding opportunities, and I hope The broad power of art is evident in the work that others in the North could receive a greater of Dr. Mark Skinner, Canada Research Chair in range of these kinds of opportunities,” one On- Rural Aging, Health and Social Care and director tarian wrote in our survey. of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. Canada’s National Ballet School is working with Skinner to use dance to improve the aerobic power, muscle strength, balance and mental health of the local senior population.

36 Spencer, Gregory M. “Economic Development Strategies for Mid- Sized Cities in the Global Knowledge Economy.” In Leveraging Ontario’s Urban Potential: Mid-Sized Cities Research Series, Eds. Luisa Sotomayor and Jo Flatt, May 2017, 132-142 37 Statistics Canada. “Provincial and Territorial Culture Indicators, 2010 to 2014.” 2016. PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES 29

Helping Revitalize Bridging these gaps is essential to ensuring Commitments and Recommendations Communities the whole province has access to the benefits of new technology and the opportunities of a what ontarians want In the late 1990s, Brantford growing economy. Without the right infrastruc- • Effective local community planning that was devastated by the collapse of a once-thriving ture, in particular broadband access, neither rural addresses key issues such as sustainability, manufacturing sector. That nor Aboriginal communities will be able to take health, housing and transit. changed in 1999 when Wilfrid full advantage of the advances taking place in • Support for arts and culture that helps create Laurier University embarked Ontario’s economy. vibrant communities. on a risky experiment in urban Across Ontario, communities are pushing renewal, opening a small satellite campus in Brantford’s for the investment they need to thrive in to- • Meaningful partnerships between downtown. Eighteen years day’s changing economy. Ontario’s universities postsecondary, private and public sectors to later, Brantford’s downtown are proud to be partnering with communities improve communities. core has been reborn as a to help them grow stronger. Researchers from bustling centre of cultural, the University of Windsor, Ryerson University academic and social activity. Laurier’s campus is home to and University of Guelph, in partnership with ontario universities’ commitments more than 3,000 students, the SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology • Support and publicize research that leads to and the university has spent Network, are looking at the potential economic services and processes to strengthen our local an estimated $80 million on and social outcomes of broadband infrastructure communities. building a downtown campus in southwestern Ontario. Lakehead University’s that spreads to more than 17 • Help build strong, vibrant communities by Achievement Program offers tuition credits to buildings. The private sector strengthening bonds with a wide range of certain First Nations, Inuit and Métis students has followed suit, adding new partners, including businesses, non-profits, student residences, a public from Grade 4 onwards. local service providers and arts organizations. plaza and new businesses We look forward to continuing this work as we to account for the budding help create strong communities across the prov- • Encourage vibrant community services and student population. Laurier continues to expand into ince, ones that Ontarians can contribute to and programs by partnering with communities to Brantford’s downtown, and is enjoy, no matter where in the province they reside. leverage our campus resources. scheduled to open a Laurier But creating the strong, resilient and rich Brantford-YMCA athletics communities that Ontarians want ultimately facility in summer 2018. takes the coordinated efforts of many groups of how government can help strengthen people. It takes innovative business leaders and communities across the province solid health-care providers, imaginative artists • Work with universities, local governments and Helping to Build and cultural leaders, a robust non-profit sector, communities to encourage a vibrant flow of “Teaching Cities” responsive government, and engaged colleges ideas and research that helps spur new think- and universities. ing and develop solutions to local issues. Looking to find solutions It’s only by working together that Ontario can • Ensure communities, both urban and rural, and to its urban challenges, strengthen our communities and pave the way to particularly in Northern and remote regions, the City of Oshawa is a better future for the whole province. partnering with the have the services and infrastructure, such as University of Ontario quality Internet access and strong transit, that Institute of Technology and ensure high quality of life and prosperity. other postsecondary To read more about what Ontarians told us about institutions and think tanks the importance of strong communities, see • Develop a Northern Ontario strategy that to become a teaching city. Appendix F: Vibrant Communities and Strong includes: incentives for students and By becoming a teaching Regional Economies. graduates to study, stay and work in Northern city, Oshawa becomes a living laboratory for communities; sustained funding for the students and academics, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, creating an opportunity including funding for research facilities and for them to work with equipment; establishing a Northern Ontario city staff on solutions to Research Chair to focus research on issues urban issues. Experiential learning and research particular to the region. opportunities could surround issues such as the impact of climate change on watershed management, waste management, transportation, digital connectivity and more. 30 PARTNERING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

featured future maker Helping Feed Ontarians from Field to Fork

From field to fork, the new Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph connects food research experts on campus with Canadian and global partners to ensure sustainability, economic growth and food security, and to improve life at home and abroad.

The University of Guelph has been closely tied with food since its founding colleges were established more than 150 years ago. Today all seven colleges – spanning engineering, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, art, biology, veterinary science, business, environment, economics and agricultural studies – support the university’s leadership role in food and agricultural research and teaching.

Among its initiatives, the new Arrell Food Institute supports five inaugural scholars from Canada and abroad whose graduate studies are intended to help transform the global food industry. Along with the University’s Food From Thought project – which connects cross- campus experts with international partners to find ways to sustainably feed a growing world population – the institute raises Canada’s profile in the global food economy and further strengthens the university’s position as “Canada’s food university.” PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE 31 PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE

Supporting the IT The work of Ontario’s universities rests on two Driving Economic Sector in the Ottawa fundamental pillars: helping students thrive Development and an Region by offering a broad and enriching educational Entrepreneurial Culture experience both in and out of the classroom, and As Kanata emerges supporting our communities – from businesses, as a major tech artists and cultural organizations to health-care At the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Youth cluster in Canadian telecommunications, and service providers, non-profits and govern- Employment, Lekan Olawoye, Executive Lead at Carleton University ment leaders – through research, innovation, MaRS Discovery District, commented that “if our researchers like Richard volunteering and talent development. universities are succeeding, our young people Yu are helping found new Ontario’s 21 universities do this work in 30 are succeeding, our economy is succeeding and technologies to support communities across Ontario. But with the help of we’re doing well.” the thriving information technology (IT) industry. partners all over the province and the efforts of Ontario’s universities are proud to be helping Yu is working on a large our students, faculty and alumni, the impact of Ontario grow, innovate and compete globally, three-year project to our work stretches much further, helping gener- whether through the start-ups our students help make 5G communication ate the bold ideas that Ontario needs to face its build, the fresh thinking our graduates bring to networks — which are biggest challenges and helping put Ontario on the workforce or the research that helps drive up to 100 times faster than 4G or LTE networks the world stage as a source of outstanding talent innovation and growth across industries. — more efficient. The and innovation. It’s through these efforts that Ontario’s research will be led by At a time when much of the world has begun universities contribute more than $115 billion an- Carleton University in turning inward, Canada and Ontario have un- nually to the province’s economy, including $42 collaboration with the dertaken a leadership role in fostering inclusion, billion generated through spending, $49 billion University of Manitoba, Huawei Technologies diversity and acceptance. In today’s globalized in human capital development, and $25 billion Canada and Remotronic. economy, thinking only within one’s own borders resulting from the productivity boost generated Yu’s research is just is not an option. Innovative ideas and ground- by research and development.38 one part of Carleton’s breaking technologies are being developed This impact is felt across the province, and commitment to around the world. That’s why Ontario’s univer- it is part of how universities are helping Ontario supporting the IT sector in the Ottawa region. sities are committed to representing Ontario on maintain a strong and resilient economy. The university is also the world stage, building relationships across the Ontario’s universities are committed to con- a partner in Centre of globe, attracting top talent to the province, and tinuing to help Ontario develop and grow. But Excellence for Next putting Ontario on the map. bolstering the province’s economy at a time of Generation Networks, widespread disruption requires a broad focus. It which helps position Ottawa as a global leader requires efforts both to strengthen established in telecommunications industries and cultivate growth in new ones. innovation.

38 Spending estimate includes spending by universities, students and visitors, as well as the spending of the income premium alumni receive of alumni. The human capital development amount is a par- tial estimate of the total impact of human capital development on GDP. For more detail, see: Council of Ontario Universities. “Driving a Prosperous Future: Economic Analysis of the Lasting Impact of Ontario Universities.” 2017. 32 PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE

Helping Universities are ready to help achieve both Students are key players in this movement. Entrepreneurs Thrive goals. Through our research we help strengthen Increasingly they want to participate in entre- industries from tourism and agriculture in the preneurial initiatives that provide them “with With a rising interest in southwest, to digital tech and biotechnology in transferable skills that they do not receive entrepreneurship among the Golden Horseshoe, to mining and forestry in the classroom and are key components students and graduates, universities are providing in the North. The Institute for Competitiveness in increasing Ontario’s economic growth, supports and connections and Prosperity recently highlighted the role prosperity, and productivity.”42 to help these businesses universities play in driving the mining industry, That’s why each university across Ontario thrive. Whether it’s for instance, writing that the human capital and is invested in helping students chart their own through incubators expertise universities provide are “one of the path and bring their innovative ideas and inven- and accelerators, 39 attracting investors industry’s greatest assets.” The report goes on tions to fruition. and venture capital, to indicate how universities are vital parts of the Entire programs are devoted to teaching stu- or entrepreneurship- talent pipeline that strengthens three other key dents what it takes to produce innovative inven- focused programming, industries with high-growth potential: finance tions, attract investors and take their service or students are finding the and insurance, life sciences, and motor vehicle product to market. Courses teach students how help they need for their 40 start-ups to succeed and parts manufacturing. innovations have emerged in the past and how right on campus. There Ontario’s universities are also partnering to an outlier’s perspective can contribute to new are dozens of start- make sure that when it comes to emerging tech- opportunities. Students learn to model the best ups housed on Ontario nologies, Ontario is not only ready, but taking approaches to creativity and decision-making, university campuses, the lead. Through centres such as the Institute despite uncertainty. They develop business which have cumulatively raised billions of dollars for Quantum Computing, the Vector Institute and plans and bring forward profitable solutions to in venture capital for Medicine by Design, which bring researchers and real-world problems. They learn how to fail, piv- hundreds of start-ups. students together with private and public sector ot, try again and become lifelong entrepreneurs. These start-ups are partners to spur collaboration and innovation, Ontario’s universities are also home to a creating thousands of we are helping make Ontario a world leader in number of incubators and accelerators – centres new jobs, growing the provincial economy and computer science, artificial intelligence and life that help everyone from students to more expe- establishing Ontario as an sciences. These kinds of collaborative initia- rienced entrepreneurs develop an idea or, in the innovation leader. tives, which can be seen at universities across case of accelerators, take a company to the next the province, make vital contributions to the level. Both incubators and accelerators offer the clusters of innovation – regional concentra- mentorship, training and work space that help a tions of companies, non-profits and academic new business develop and grow, and facilitate institutions that spur growth and innovation in a the networks and connections that help spur new common field – that help create strong industries thinking and partnerships. in Ontario. Activities such as competitions, workshops, Over the last year we heard that building such internships, and mentorships also provide an thriving and collaborative clusters is also key to opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills. creating an entrepreneurial, risk-taking culture This focus on innovation is reaping rewards, across Ontario. It incentivizes Ontarians to ex- with hundreds of startup companies being plore and grow new ideas and new industries. created each year. With the help of experts This kind of entrepreneurial activity is already and faculty at entrepreneurship centres, these becoming increasingly ingrained in Canadian new companies take advantage of the most culture. A 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor up-to-date knowledge and techniques, using report found that 16.7 per cent of working-age design principles, for instance, to improve health Canadians are involved in early stage entrepre- services, or renewable technology to innovate neurial activity – up from 12.2 per cent in 2013.41 auto manufacturing. These entrepreneurial skills are also valuable to established employers, who want to hire workers with the ability to think creatively and critically – attributes that help companies innovate and stay competitive.

39 Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. “Collaborating For Growth: Opportunities in Ontario.” November 2016. 40 Ibid. 42 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. “Students for Ontario’s Future: OUSA’s Response to the Council of Ontario Universities’ 41 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. “Global Report 2016/17.” 2017. FuturingON Campaign.” April 2017. PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE 33

Helping Teach Ontario’s talent attracts businesses from As Ontario’s economy changes, sectors Computer Skills around the world to the province. Along with across the province are feeling the effects in around the Globe university research, they help Ontario maintain different ways. Strengthening Ontario to face its global reputation for skilled workers and these challenges will take the work of many When Anna, a University innovation. That’s why Ontario’s universities are groups and people. of Ottawa student, headed committed to developing and educating world- It will take clusters of innovation where aca- to Ghana as part of her graduate studies, she class graduate students who advance research, demics, industry leaders, governments, commu- discovered that students share knowledge with undergraduate students, nities and entrepreneurs can come together to in the Bobikuma region and develop high-level research and leadership share knowledge and expertise. were required to learn skills that allow them to become part of the talent It will take fostering a risk-taking entrepre- computer skills, yet had pipeline that is critical for Ontario to flourish in neurial culture that can give rise to new busi- no access to computers. Determined to build a the new economy. nesses, ideas and inventions. financially sustainable Ontario’s students and faculty also bring their And it will take attracting and developing top computer lab, Anna energy, hard work and creativity to the world graduate students and researchers who can help forged local and through study abroad opportunities and inter- drive innovation and growth. international partnerships national research partnerships that help give Ontario’s universities are ready to help On- to bring a lab to the region. She set it up so that Ontario a global reputation for excellence and tario reach these goals, and to work with gov- outside of school hours, bring the best ideas, innovations and research ernment, industries and communities to ensure community members back home for the province’s businesses, gov- that the province has the strong and resilient could use the facilities for ernments and communities to use. regional economies and industries that will help a nominal fee. With the As the Naylor Report noted, many of the all Ontarians prosper. fees, the lab is able to provide more than 400 challenges that Ontario faces today, whether in primary and junior high terms of the environment, social policy, or the students with free access economy, are also global in nature, and “we must To read more about what Ontarians told us about to computers. And so be positioned to access and adapt the best ideas building up Ontario’s economy, see Appendix F: many other University of that scientists and scholars in other countries Vibrant Communities and Strong Regional Economies. Ottawa students are having a profound generate, and to do our fair share in addressing global impact through global social and health challenges.”43 international service Through research collaborations, Ontario’s projects like this one. universities draw on the knowledge of world experts to help the province. And by welcoming more than 64,000 international students from more than 200 countries, Ontario’s universities further promote the sharing and dissemination of ideas from around the world. Fostering diverse learning environments also helps achieve a central goal of a university education: graduating students who are ready to participate in a globalized world. New disruptions and a changing economy, however, bring new challenges. In this environment, Ontario’s universities want to work with government and other partners to do even more to help Ontario grow and prosper.

43 Canada’s Fundamental Science Review. “Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research.” 2017. 34 PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE

Commitments and Recommendations how government can help drive economic development

what ontarians want • Support the development of a “cluster” strat- • Research, partnerships and entrepreneurial egy that will stimulate Ontario’s competitive initiatives that drive innovation in key industries. economic leadership. • Support for regional economic development • Help bring new companies and entrepre- across the province. neurial ideas to life through stable funding for university incubators and incentives for • Support to help start-ups and small graduates to start a business. businesses grow. • Support a shift from a risk-averse to an en- • Incentives and policies to keep innovators trepreneurial society by providing incentives and inventors in the province and ensure their that attract venture capital, enable business ideas benefit the lives of Ontarians. growth, entice innovative companies to Ontario and help start-ups grow and stay in

ontario universities’ commitments the province. • Strengthen relationships with industry to • Help attract the best talent through measures ensure we are conducting research, fostering that include expanding the number and value talent, and supporting knowledge translation of graduate scholarships. so that new ideas and inventions move from the laboratory to the community and help • Provide responsive funding for businesses innovate and grow. internationally-matched research projects and support students to take a semester • Recruit talented graduate students and re- abroad or gain international work experience. searchers who bring new knowledge, ideas and innovations to various industries. • Work with our students and our business and community partners to encourage and support entrepreneurs. • Ensure Ontario benefits from the best international ideas by attracting international talent, supporting students and faculty to study and collaborate abroad, and offering education that prepares students for a globalized world. PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE 35

Helping Create Creating a Sustainable and By helping this research reach the public, Sustainable Prosperous Future meanwhile, we are also working to develop Communities “new behaviours of solidarity to respect the boundaries of the planet,” as Irina Bokova, Tapping into its long- By attracting students, faculty and researchers Director-General of UNESCO, recently called standing commitment to environmental expertise, from around the country and world, Ontario’s for, and fostering the innovation in “our insti- Trent University’s universities are turning their campuses into the tutions, our behaviours and our relationships Community Research centres of collaboration that are necessary to with each other and with our environment” that Centre connects develop multi-faceted solutions for today’s the Federation for the Humanities and Social passionate Trent students increasingly complex challenges. Sciences has argued are equally necessary as and researchers with 44 45 community partners Ontario’s universities, for instance, are technology for addressing climate change. to find answers to drawing on the broad strengths and expertise Seventeen of Ontario’s 21 universities have questions coming from of our students and faculty to help address added new research initiatives or institutes on the Peterborough region. Ontario’s environmental challenges, one of the sustainability since 2013. Research on new bio- Current projects include top areas of concern that Ontarians highlighted fuels and clean energy sources, electric vehicles creating a community energy plan for the over the last year. and related technology, construction and low Township of Minden One parent wrote in our survey that as Ontari- carbon homes are ongoing, and are just some of Hills to reduce corporate ans, “we have to ensure that we are good environ- the ways that Ontario’s universities work directly greenhouse gas emissions, mental stewards of this country and create a green with industry and government to ensure tomor- building a sustainable economy to protect it, and through our inventions row’s economy is both sustainable and prosper- agri-tourism plan for a large farm in Haliburton, allow this green economy to flourish across the ous. Through the Centre for Hybrid Automotive and the development of world, providing security for all Canadians.” Research and Green Energy, for example, the an educational garden We are starting on our own campuses through University of Windsor is partnering with compa- program for pre-schoolers. retrofit projects and other initiatives that en- nies including Ford Canada and D&V Electron- sure our energy efficiency meets the highest ics to develop the next-generation battery and standards – one of the key steps to a sustainable motor technology that will push the development future that Ontarians emphasized over the last of electric vehicles. year. Students’ passion for environmental change As the Federation of Canadian Municipalities helps drive our initiatives, leading to great ideas and Clean Energy Canada both argued in recent that they even help fund – such as a sustainable, reports, the benefits of this research and these green-roofed pavilion and bicycle shelter at the innovations ultimately flow through the econo- University of Guelph powered by solar panels. my.46 The beneficiaries include the mining indus- Collaborative work is also underway between try, where “the clean energy transition will create universities, local government agencies and oth- opportunities for economic development and er organizations to help communities adapt to a revitalization. Metals and minerals are essential changing climate, including addressing flood risk to increasing the global supply of renewable en- in homes and how municipalities will need to plan ergy, not to mention smart grids, LED light bulbs for and address extreme weather events. In this and electric cars.”47 way, universities are helping Ontario avoid the Ensuring the environment is preserved and high costs of extreme weather through responsi- protected is a top priority for Ontarians. We heard ble and proactive planning. that repeatedly throughout the last year. Ontar- At the same time, businesses, industries and ians value the province’s parks, lakes and rivers. communities across the province are develop- Maintaining this natural beauty, they told us, is ing innovative processes and technologies to fundamental to maintaining what makes Ontario improve sustainability. Universities are helping special. “Ultimately, I am worried for my child these efforts by supporting research into how because of the way we treat the environment,” Canadians will best be able to adapt to a chang- one parent wrote in our survey. ing climate, save energy in their homes, support locally produced food, drive cleaner cars, and produce renewable energy.

44 Bokova, Irina. “Address at the Global Education and Skills Forum.” http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002476/247690e.pdf (Accessed July 31, 2017) 45 Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Making Inclusive Innovation a Reality.” September 2016 46 Thompson, David and Shannon A. Joseph. “Building Canada’s Green Economy: The Municipal Role.” Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 2011. And Clean Energy Canada, “Mining for Clean Energy.” 2017 47 Clean Energy Canada, “Mining for Clean Energy.” 2017. 36 PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE

At the same time, Ontarians emphasized the Commitments and Recommendations importance of finding sustainable ways for Ontario to still develop and prosper in the future. “I am what ontarians want really excited to save the environment through • A focus on sustainable job creation and business ventures that can also improve the econ- economic development: reducing emissions, omy,” one student told us through our survey. preserving our province’s natural beauty and This challenge is a central example of why moving toward a low-carbon economy. Ontarians emphasized two key principles to us: • Support for and development of renewable partnership and bold, big-picture thinking. energies and technology. Achieving a sustainable and prosperous future will take considerable partnership between nu- • A proactive approach to energy efficiency and merous groups, including engineers, economists, wildlife conservation. urban planners and environmental experts. And helping Ontarians transition to living and working in new, more sustainable ways will take bold, ontario universities’ commitments innovative thinking. • Dedicate resources to building sustainable, Ontario’s universities are proud to be partners low-carbon campuses and producing grad- in creating this better future. By working with uates with the broad skills to contribute to a Ontarians across the province, we are committed sustainable and prosperous economy. to helping keep Ontario’s lakes clean and its • Encourage research into the green technology parks and nature reserves pristine, all while and innovations that will benefit the province. creating the sustainable economic development that will drive a growing, dynamic province for • Continue research on ecological issues that years to come. help preserve our natural environment for future generations.

To read more about what Ontarians told us about the environment, see Appendix C: A Sustainable and how government can help create a prosperous Prosperous Future. and sustainable future • Support advancements in clean technology and climate science that will move the results of university research into businesses and communities. • Encourage conservation and energy- efficiency through funding to repair or retrofit aging infrastructure, with dedicated investments to postsecondary institutions. PARTNERING TO DRIVE A GROWING, DYNAMIC PROVINCE 37

featured future maker Helping Guide Sustainable Mining in Northern Ontario

With its focus on the environment and Aboriginal communities along with its key location in Ontario’s Ring of Fire, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration at Lakehead University is playing a crucial role in guiding sustainable mineral exploration and extraction in Northern Ontario.

The Centre brings together 16 departments across Lakehead, including geology, law, biology, Aboriginal initiatives, engineering and anthropology, to look into the nature and impacts of resource development in Northwestern Ontario – a major economic driver for this region and the province. Using research, education and outreach activities, the centre focuses on how to ensure mineral resource exploration and extraction is environmentally sound, and done in collaboration and consultation with First Nations and Métis communities. 38 CONCLUSION CONCLUSION

Over the last year, in conversations held across This report is our first step in pushing toward the province, Ontarians have been clear about the better future Ontarians want – in showing the future they want for Ontario. how universities are here to help them confront They want the skills, knowledge and experi- the province’s most pressing challenges. ence to build a better future for themselves, their One respondent to our survey believes strongly families, their communities and the province. that in our role: “Education is the harbinger of They want communities with robust health care, positive change, so universities also hold the vibrant arts and culture scenes, and vital services. responsibility of empowering young minds. And I And they want to see a green and sustainable believe that when the dust settles, we will find that Ontario with thriving regional economies and Canadian universities rose to the occasion.” strong clusters of innovation. We are dedicated to helping repay this Ontar- Ontario’s universities are committed to realiz- ian’s faith. But we know there’s more to be done, ing this vision, but we know we can’t do it alone. more ideas to be considered, more insights to To face the challenges and seize the opportu- be shared. We’re looking to you, our partners, nities that the future will bring, Ontario needs to to work together with us to face tomorrow’s have corporations and small businesses, col- challenges, seize its opportunities, and ensure a leges and universities, and governments at every better future for the province and all those who level working together in partnership. call it home. l APPENDICES: WHAT WE HEARD FROM ONTARIANS Over the course of the last year, we spoke to many thousands of Ontarians from across the province about how to create a better future. Here is what they told us. 40 APPENDICES

what ontarians want A. Adaptable Skills and Thinking about the future in this context can Experience: seem overwhelming. In our survey, thousands of • Education that gives respondents expressed worries about whether students flexible and What Ontarians Said About adaptable skills – such Jobs and the Economy there will be enough jobs in the future, whether as critical thinking, these jobs will be well-paying and stable, and problem solving, whether they will offer the kind of life and stan- communication, Today in Ontario, you can visit almost any work- dard of living that they have always dreamed of. teamwork and place, examine any sector and any industry, and “I’m worried that I won’t be able to find a job creativity – to help them thrive throughout see change in action. that not only supports me but can support my their career. Go to a hospital and your doctor may use family as well,” one student told us in our survey. artificial intelligence to determine a diagnosis. “I’m worried that I won’t be able to fulfil my dream • Co-ops, internships, lab work, research Go to a law office and artificial intelligence may of travelling and experiencing new cultures.” projects and other be reviewing documents for relevance in a case. These are undoubtedly challenging and un- experiential learning In Ontario’s factories, robots and humans certain times. But the changes Ontario is going opportunities that work side-by-side, while teams of software en- through also offer great opportunities if, as prepare students for gineers design and manufacture high-tech cars. Ontarians, we all work together to seize them. the workforce. As digital tools transform whole industries, Today, Ontario has a “critical opportunity… • Partnerships among banks are beginning to look more and more like to work with people of all ages, particularly employers, universities technology companies, and newspapers and with youth, to shape the way the 21st century and colleges to boost experiential learning artists are searching for ways to compete in a is going,” said John Stackhouse, Senior Vice- and ensure Ontario world where massive amounts of information, President at RBC, while hosting the Ontario’s continues to have a images and videos are available in an instant. Universities Roundtable on Youth Employment. strong talent pipeline. As these changes take hold, workplaces are That’s one of the reasons why we set out to • Campus programs and also often feeling more unstable than ever, with speak to as many Ontarians as possible over supports that ensure temporary and precarious employment on the the last year. We wanted to hear how Ontarians students are healthy rise, the “gig economy” taking hold and wage envision the future and learn more about their and engaged. growth, in many cases, remaining stubbornly low. ideas for how universities can help. Today in Ontario, and across the world, “we We wanted to hear from leaders in the pri- live in an age of adaptation,” as United Way vate, public and non-profit sectors about what Toronto’s Nation Cheong described it at the jobs will look like in five and 10 years, and what Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Youth kind of skills young Ontarians will need to be Employment – and Ontarians can feel it. ready for them. They are seeing it take hold all around their The answers we heard indicated that, as communities. They have watched the 2008 Ontario looks to the jobs of the future, change recession lead to a recovery in which part-time will be widespread. Some of the changes ahead jobs continue to increase and wages go up at a are hard to predict. Estimates about automation snail’s pace, if at all. They have watched as tem- vary widely, from studies suggesting that more porary employment increased in Ontario from than 40 per cent of our workers are at risk of 4.7 per cent in 1989 to 10.7 per cent in 2016.48 being affected by automation, to others putting They are seeing how, as artificial intelligence the number of occupations that are fully autom- grows more powerful, more and more jobs could atable at five per cent.49 be automated, and the effects could reach from our factories to our law offices, hospitals and malls. And they see that, as Ontario’s population ages, there will be greater pressure on a shrinking labour force to not only grow the economy but also pay for the increasing costs of health care and other services.

49 See Lamb, Creig “The Talented Mr. Robot: The Impact of 48 Ontario Ministry of Finance, “Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the Automation on Canada’s Workforce”, Brookfield Institute, June 2016, Economy”, 2017. http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/ltr/2017/ch3. and McKinsey Global Institute, “A Future That Works: Automation, html#s10 (Accessed July 31, 2017) Employment, Productivity”, January 2017. A. ADAPTABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT JOBS AND THE ECONOMY 41

But if the speed and scope of these transfor- This was the take away from a recent C.D. mations are up for debate, the fact that they’re Howe Institute report, which noted that “the rela- taking place is not. Since 1987, the number of tive decline in routine-intensive jobs signals that non-routine cognitive and non-routine manual adaptive and interpersonal skills are becoming jobs, the kind that require more interpersonal increasingly important aspects of occupations.”52 skills and flexibility and are therefore less at risk And it was what Ontarians indicated in our of automation, have increased by 94 and 64 per survey when asked to state the importance of 10 cent respectively.50 The number of routine jobs, skills as Ontario prepares for the future. Critical which are at greater risk of being automated, thinking, problem solving and communications increased by 13 per cent.51 skills emerged clearly at the top, as they also did As a result, non-routine cognitive jobs now when the Business Council of Canada surveyed account for 42 per cent of Ontario’s workforce, companies about what skills are most important to compared to 31 per cent in 1987, while routine them when evaluating entry-level candidates.53 occupations have decreased from 59 to 47 per cent in that same period. To prepare for these changes in the workforce, employers across all sectors agree that workers will need well-honed core skills such as communications, problem solving and critical thinking – skills that help workers adapt to any changes that might come to their workplace.

52 Oschinski, Matthias and Rosalie Wynch, “Future Shock? The Impact of Automation on Canada’s Job Market.” C.D. Howe Institute, March 2017. 50 Ontario Ministry of Finance, “Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the Economy”, 2017. 53 Business Council of Canada and Aon Hewitt, “Developing Canada’s Future Workforce: A Survey of Large Private-Sector Employers,” 51 Ibid. March 2016

Change in Share of Ontario's Workforce by Occupation Type

60% 59%

50% 47% 42% 1987 40% 2016

31% 30%

20%

10% 11% 10%

0% Non-routine Routine Non-routine cognitive occupations manual occupations occupations

Figure 3: Source – Ontario Ministry of Finance 42 APPENDICES

Employers further told us that Ontario re- Developing such a diversity of talent with this quires a broad set of workers to thrive in the diversity of skills is vital if Ontario wants to build future. That means Ontario needs to think about a modern, competitive workforce. This is true the breadth of skills that organizations need to across our province’s many sectors. make the most of, for instance, their massive Tech companies need engineers and pro- data collection capabilities, which requires grammers to innovate and develop new soft- workers with technical skills to design the da- ware and technology – but they also need tabases and analysis software, but also people employees with business skills to sell their with critical thinking skills to decipher what the products and grow their companies. data is saying. It means thinking about how to Hospitals, long-term care centres and re- get Ontarians comfortable with digital skills tirement homes need doctors and nurses with from a young age, so they can be ready for the both the medical knowledge to treat patients future. It means recognizing, as a recent U.S. and the people skills to understand their needs study showed, that today auto manufacturers beyond medicine. are looking to hire more software developers Peter Wallace, the City Manager for the City and engineers than mechanical engineers.54 of Toronto, told us, “I need engineers who un- Developing this broad group of talent derstand public policy and I need social workers requires investments in postsecondary who understand budgets and finance.” education across the board – both colleges and And Shurjeel Choudhri, Senior Vice-President universities – so all our workers have the skills and Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs at and training to work in high-tech environments. Bayer HealthCare, noted at our Roundtable on As Nobina Robinson, CEO of Polytechnics Youth Employment that “essentially everyone Canada, and Sarah Watts-Rynard, Executive in our company works on a cross functional Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, team… You have to be able to work as part of a have written, “the skilled trades of today require cross-disciplinary team.” a whole new set of skills on top of those passed This broad set of skills is not only tomorrow’s down from their mentors.”55 With engineers toolkit – there is already a growing demand for developing increasingly sophisticated cars, it in the workplace. The question, then, is: How Ontario also needs the skilled technicians to can Ontarians best prepare? repair and care for them. Higher education is one key to success in this At the same time, the Business Council of Can- new economy, Ontarians told us. This is made ada has noted that the skills required for manage- plain by the fact that jobs that require a univer- ment positions are changing: “Being an effec- sity education have increased by 145 per cent tive day-to-day manager is no longer enough. over the last 30 years in Ontario. In fact, the val- Leaders – from senior executives to managers ue of a postsecondary education in general is on – are expected to bring forward new and creative the rise, as jobs that require a college diploma ideas, think strategically and globally, optimize or apprenticeship went up by 45 per cent in the operations and motivate employees.”56 same time period.57

54 Burning Glass Technologies. “Manufacturing Shift: Software Jobs Now Outpace Production Openings.” August 15, 2017. http:// burning-glass.com/manufacturing-shift-software-jobs-now-outpace-production-openings/ (Accessed August 25, 2017). 55 Robinson, Nobina and Sarah Watts-Rynard. “Skilled Trades Belong In Canada’s Innovation Conversation.” The Huffington Post, May 4, 2017. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/nobina-robinson/toolbox- es-and-technology_b_16407782.html (Accessed August 1, 2017). 56 Business Council of Canada and Aon Hewitt, “Developing Canada’s Future Workforce: A Survey of Large Private-Sector Employers,” 57 Ontario Ministry of Finance. “Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the March 2016 Economy.” 2017. A. ADAPTABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT JOBS AND THE ECONOMY 43

Change in Share of Ontario's Workforce by Occupation Type

250 skill level: management 200 a b c 150 d

100

50 1987 2016

Figure 4: Management and skill level A occupations usually require a university education. Skill level B occupations usually require a college education or apprenticeship training. Skill level C occupations usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training. Skill level D occupations usually receive on-the-job training. Source – Ontario Ministry of Finance; Statistics Canada, Table 282-0142; Employment and Social Development Canada

But employers and students alike empha- “Employers are in the best position to provide sized that more could be done to ensure that technical training,” OUSA wrote, a sentiment students are prepared to transition into the echoed in a recent Mowat Centre report arguing workplace from university by helping them ar- that employers “are best positioned to antic- ticulate the skills they learned and, in particular, ipate future trends in their own sectors and to by continuing to expand the number of experi- understand how to train their own workers.” ential opportunities at colleges and universities. Ensuring that employers and educators are “Expanding work-integrated or experien- equally committed to the continuous training of tial learning opportunities are essential to the Ontario’s workforce is particularly important in ongoing skills development of our university today’s world, where education can no longer be graduates,” wrote the Ontario Undergraduate thought of as a young person’s game. Lifelong Students Association (OUSA). “This can take learning is essential to developing a competitive the form of internships, co-operative work and agile workforce.59 placements, practicums, capstone projects, and In today’s world, “you need to be some- research positions. The personal, professional, one who’s constantly learning, who is much and academic growth provided by these forms more flexible and much higher on the skills of of learning will help Ontario’s youth engage with empathy,” said Google Canada’s Fab Dolan. the province’s evolving labour market.”58 A report for the Business Council of Canada Ontarians further emphasized that helping similarly noted that “life has become a series of graduates transition into the workforce re- transitions, with learning and earning processes that quires the equal participation of employers, may be simultaneous rather than sequential, and both to ensure that there are a wide range of that evolve with ever-changing circumstances.”60 high-quality experiential learning opportunities for Ontarians to take part in, and to provide vital employee training.

59 Ibid. and Johal, Sunil and Jordann Thirgood. “Working Without a Net.” The Mowat Centre, November 2016.

58 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. “Students for Ontario’s 60 Drummond, Don and Cliff Halliwell. “Labour market information: Future: OUSA’s Response to the Council of Ontario Universities’ an essential part of Canada’s skills agenda.” The Business Council of FuturingON Campaign.” April 2017. Canada, June 2016. 44 APPENDICES

This new reality has also elevated the im- Thriving in our age of adaptation will not just portance of entrepreneurial skills, not because happen; it will take a coordinated effort. But the young Ontarians today necessarily need to start message from Ontarians was clear: to help the their own company (though more and more of province thrive, Ontarians need the adaptable them are doing so), but because the ability to be skills and knowledge that will make them work- a self-starter, to adapt, and to be resilient are ready and world-ready – prepared to make an fundamental to thriving in today’s economy. At impact in their workplaces, their communities, a Queen’s University Roundtable on Entrepre- and society at large. neurship, there was consensus among students, faculty and community leaders about the importance of entrepreneurial skills for today’s work- Ontario’s universities are committed to giving force. Certain studies, meanwhile, have shown students the broad mix of adaptable skills, that, in the U.S., “new and young companies knowledge and experience that will allow them to are the primary source of job creation,” while in build long, fruitful careers. To read more on how we Canada, small businesses, including start-ups, plan to help Ontarians build tomorrow’s workforce, accounted for 87.7 per cent of net new private see section 2.1: Partnering to Help Students Thrive. jobs in Canada from 2005 to 2015.61 More than anything else, however, Ontarians over the last year highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring our workforce is prepared for the future. They emphasized the value of partnerships between educators, employers and government to provide the experiential learning opportunities and the workplace-relevant curriculums that help Ontarians prepare for the workforce. They emphasized partnerships between these sectors to create the training and upskilling opportunities that Ontarians and businesses both need to thrive in the long term. And they emphasized partnerships between these sectors to ensure that colleges and universities across the province provide the breadth of skills required for the jobs of the future.

61 Jackson, Chris and Jason Wiens. “The Importance of Young Firms for Economic Growth.” Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 2015. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Small Business Branch. “Key Small Business Statistics.” June 2016 B. BROAD AND IMPACTFUL RESEARCH: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY 45

what ontarians want B. Broad and Impactful Ontarians expressed confidence that the Research: province has the talent, the entrepreneurial • A breadth of ecosystem and the tools to drive the innovation innovation that helps What Ontarians Said About find solutions to Research and Innovation it needs. But they also highlighted key areas our multi-faceted where Ontario must improve. challenges that span Various tech leaders and experts spoke from the economy, to In our survey, at our roundtables and in our many out, for instance, about the challenges On- the environment, to other conversations with Ontarians, we heard tario start-ups face in scaling up beyond a social policy. repeatedly about how uncertain the future feels mid-level size into large companies. “For too • Collaboration today. But when talking about research, innova- long it’s been the goal of Canadian companies between government, tion and technology, Ontarians widely said that to get just big enough to get bought out… and universities, employers and they are excited to see what the future might be moved to Silicon Valley or be moved to New industry to bring and optimistic that tomorrow’s inventions York,” Fab Dolan of Google Canada said at the commercialize and innovations will help Ontario thrive. Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Innovation research. In our survey, for instance, we asked re- and the New Economy. “And the challenge from • Support to help spondents to state their level of optimism about an ecosystem perspective is that when those start-ups and small seven key issues facing the province. When companies… get rich and then go to start their businesses grow. asked how much they agreed, from one to ten, next companies, they start in the Valley and they • Incentives and that technological advances will be a driving start in New York and they start in Israel. And we policies to keep force for positive change, the average response need those companies to be here.” innovators and was 6.75, the highest for any of the issues we The Institute for Competitiveness and Pros- inventors in the asked about. When asked about what they perity, meanwhile, has argued that “when firms province and ensure their ideas benefit the were excited about in the next five years, many — especially tech companies within the Com- lives of Ontarians. echoed the idea from one parent that “techno- munications Equipment & Services cluster — logical advances can bring an improved quality reach a particular threshold, they face a ‘capital of life for everyone, more free time, and space cliff’ in which the pool of domestic investors for a better use of creativity.” willing to invest more than $10 million becomes This optimism around innovation in Ontario very small. This is the amount typically required was more than matched by the sense Ontarians to jumpstart major growth.”63 had of its importance. “No matter who we are, or Helping start-ups scale up is what will help what industry we are in, we are being disrupted. Ontario lead the world when it comes to artificial Digital innovation is the main catalyst for this,” intelligence, information technology, financial explained Rick Huijbregts, then-VP of Digital technology, health sciences, and more. It’s what Transformation and Innovation at Cisco, at the can also drive innovation in established indus- Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Innovation tries such as agriculture and manufacturing. and the New Economy. Business and industry Ontarians emphasized to us that supporting leaders from all sectors said that this reality is these sectors is vital if Ontario is to remain com- forcing them to focus heavily on innovation. petitive in today’s technology-driven economy. Growing worries from economists about slow growth and a shrinking workforce are further pushing this trend. Writing in a report for the federal government, the Advisory Council on Economic Growth stressed how “innovation is the ‘secret sauce’ driving productivity across the economy, and is often the foundation of job- creating clusters and Canadian champions.”62

62 Advisory Council on Economic Growth. “Unlocking Innovation to 63 Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. “Clusters in Ontario: Drive Scale and Growth.” 2017 Creating an Ecosystem for Prosperity.” June 2016. 46 APPENDICES

They also highlighted the important role that The concept reflects the overarching mes- universities play in making this happen. “Uni- sage Ontarians expressed over the last year: versities can lead the way in advances in health That an innovative future can only emerge care, research and technology,” wrote one stu- through extensive collaboration. dent in our survey. Others pushed universities to Writing in Policy Magazine, Iain Klugman, the continue conducting the research that ultimately CEO of Waterloo innovation centre Commu- leads to new technologies and innovations. “It nitech, argued that “there is no substitute for is clear that technology plays an important role a strong, homegrown culture of collaboration in shaping the future landscape, and it is critical across all sectors of the local economy. The only that we use technology to its full potential to reason Communitech exists is that, 20 years help the province,” another student argued. ago, a group of tech entrepreneurs set aside Concerns arose, however, about narrowing competing local agendas and recognized they the concept of innovation to only technology. could all achieve more for themselves, their Many Ontarians emphasized that creating a bet- companies and the region by pulling together.”67 ter future for Ontario requires thinking broadly Allyson Hewitt, Senior Fellow at the J.W. about innovation. Innovation often emerges McConnell Family Foundation, put it even more from basic scientific research that, at the time, succinctly at a recent Canadian Club panel on seems to have few practical benefits, as the social innovation, citing an old proverb: “If you expert panel on Canada’s Fundamental Science want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, Review noted recently.64 go with others.” And while innovations can refer to ground- This is especially true if Ontario wants to breaking technologies that led to the smart- create an environment where the most ground- phone, they can also help find new ways of breaking research and inventions are able to delivering health services to those in need. have an impact on the everyday lives of its They can make small changes to our daily lives citizens, something that Ontarians consistently by making lineups at stores more efficient, or highlighted as a priority. increasing the efficiency of vital processes in Fulfilling Ontario’s innovation potential manufacturing or supply chains. It’s only by requires a diversity of talent and experience thinking broadly about innovation, by taking – and an acknowledgement that new ideas “advantage of our combined innovation DNA, spring from hiring a range of graduates from the including social innovation,” that Ontario will humanities, engineering, hard sciences, social face the multi-faceted challenges ahead of it, sciences, arts and more. As a recent Harvard such as climate change.65 Business Review article pointed out: “From Sil- Grand Challenges Canada refers to this icon Valley to the Pentagon, people are begin- broad mix of innovation as “integrated innova- ning to realize that to effectively tackle today’s tion,” a concept that “recognizes that scientific/ biggest social and technological challenges, technological innovations have a greater chance we need to think critically about their human of going to scale and achieving global impact context – something humanities graduates hap- and sustainability if they are developed from the pen to be well trained to do.”68 outset in conjunction with appropriate social and business innovations.”66

64 Canada’s Fundamental Science Review. “Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research.” 2017.

65 Public Policy Forum and Social Innovation Generation. “How Can 67 Klugman, Iain. “There’s No App for That: Creating a Supercluster Is Integrated Innovation Advance Well-being and Inclusive Growth?” a Recipe.” Policy Magazine, May/June 2017. June 2016. 68 Olejarz, JM. “Liberal Arts in the Data Age.” Harvard Business Review, 66 Grand Challenges Canada. “Integrated Innovation: An Update and July-August 2017. https://hbr.org/2017/07/liberal-arts-in-the-data- Early Lessons.” 2012 age (Accessed August 1, 2017). B. BROAD AND IMPACTFUL RESEARCH: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY 47

Ontarians want research and inventions But we understand that Ontario’s future that reach them in their homes, hospitals, and depends on continuing to build our research offices. They want to see communities that have capacities and strengthening our partnerships. access to and benefit from the research being Ontarians shared a number of ways in which On- conducted by businesses and universities. tario can boost the breadth and strength of its Achieving both these goals requires partner- innovation. These ideas included teaching vital ships between researchers, industry, govern- creative and entrepreneurial skills, and creating ment and business. partnerships across sectors to incentivize the It requires businesses with collaborative, mobilization and commercialization of research interdisciplinary teams that have the combined and knowledge. Together, they underscored a innovation and business expertise to drive new fundamental reality and call to action: A better ventures to success, as a recent opinion piece future will only happen if we build it together. from the deans of business schools at the Uni- versity of Toronto and UBC argued.69 Finally, ensuring university research moves Ontario’s universities are committed to producing from campus to community requires spaces and and supporting the wide range of research – from opportunities for government, business and the the arts and humanities to the sciences – that drives education sectors to work together to confront innovation, and to ensuring that research reaches their shared challenges. Ontarians and improves their lives. To read more Universities are proud of the wide range of about how Ontario’s universities intend to help build research we conduct, and of how, with the help an innovative future for Ontario, see section 2.2: of partners across various sectors, this work has Partnering to Support Our Communities. a significant impact on Ontarians by improving business productivity, health care, public policy, sustainability practices and more.

69 Helsley, Robert and Tiff Macklem. “Entrepreneurial Business Judgment is Canada’s Scarcest Resource.” The Globe and Mail, February 6, 2017. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/ report-on-business/rob-commentary/entrepreneurial-business-judgment-is-canadas-scarcest-resource/article33905688/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). 48 APPENDICES

what ontarians want C. A Sustainable and Thinking about the complexities of today’s environmental challenges could make them A focus on sustainable Prosperous Future: • seem insurmountable, and Ontarians did ex- job creation What Ontarians Said and economic About the Environment press concern in our survey about whether the development: reducing province was doing enough to confront them. emissions, preserving “I am worried for my child’s future in terms of our province’s natural In its report to the federal government (the how the world will look in ten years,” one Ontar- beauty and moving Naylor Report), the expert panel on Canada’s ian wrote. “Will there be plenty of clean water? toward a low-carbon economy. Fundamental Science Review summarized an Will the air be polluted and filled with smog? observation that Ontarians repeated many times Will there be forests and beaches that my child Support for and • over the last year: “The world is confronted with can explore?” development of renewable energies many challenges. What is unsettling is not so For the most part, though, Ontarians ex- and technology. much the number of entries that might be reg- pressed the opposite feeling: a passion for facing istered on the negative side of the ledger, but these challenges and creating a future where • A proactive approach to energy efficiency and their complexity, pervasiveness, and potential preserving the environment went hand-in-hand wildlife conservation. further scope… Successfully tackling these with innovation and economic development. issues will require efforts that cut across a range In our survey, many Ontarians highlighted of disciplines.”70 the duality of this goal – that pushing toward a This idea came up in relation to many issues, low-carbon, green economy is also fundamen- but it was most evident when discussing the tal to ensuring that the province flourishes long future of the environment. Ontarians spoke into the future. often about the particular complexities of The Federation of Canadian Municipalities addressing climate change and preserving our (FCM) further noted the benefits of a more environment, and about the range of tactics sustainable economy recently, arguing that it – from technology to individual conservation – would ultimately help a wide range of sectors and players – engineers, scientists, economists, and industries: “Many businesses would benefit, lawyers and more – that it will take to create a not just traditionally ‘green’ businesses… And sustainable future. the benefits would be spread across Canada, in As the Naylor Report further noted: both large and small communities, rather than being isolated in one or a few pockets.”72 Responding to [climate change and As many Ontarians noted, achieving in- environmental degradation] will clearly creased sustainability and prosperity requires call for major contributions from natural innovative technologies that help with con- scientists, geographers, and engineers – servation and open up access to renewable for example, assessing impacts on Canada’s energies. As one student wrote in our survey, fresh water, atmosphere, and coastal lands, “Ontario needs to focus on building its environ- devising alternative energy solutions, and mental economy and reducing its environmen- developing clean technologies to reduce tal footprint. This requires innovation, and will greenhouse gas emissions, while staying create jobs.” competitive globally. Health researchers We also heard about how building a sus- will also need to address any health threats tainable and prosperous future also requires “a arising from climate change, and the ethical, broad range of innovation in not just our tech- legal, and social issues seem destined to nology, but also our institutions, our behaviours rise steadily given the global scope of the and our relationships with each other and with effects now being seen. Moreover, social our environment. The kinds of society-spanning psychologists may have a unique niche in innovations required will not be strictly techno- addressing the cognitive dissonance that logical, and they will not be achieved quickly. polarizes discourse on this topic.71 And yet they are profoundly important.”73

72 Thompson, David and Shannon A. Joseph. “Building Canada’s Green Economy: The Municipal Role.” Federation of Canadian 70 Canada’s Fundamental Science Review. “Investing in Canada’s Municipalities, 2011. Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research.” 2017. 73 Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Making 71 Ibid. Inclusive Innovation a Reality.” September 2016. C. A SUSTAINABLE AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT 49

Ontario’s universities know that we have a And ultimately, that is the message Ontarians role to play in ensuring Ontario leads the world repeated most: It’s only by working together in the push toward sustainability, which is why that we can make the changes necessary “to we are committed to continuing to drive the im- ensure that we are good environmental stew- pactful innovation and research that Ontarians ards of this country and create a green economy called for, and to graduating the globally and to protect it,” as one parent called for in our community-minded citizens who can implement survey. It’s only by thinking big picture – by that work across various sectors. fostering talent “that not only will better the But preserving our environment will not only economy but will find sustainable ways to do take bold and innovative thinking. It will require so,” as another Ontarian wrote – that we will the work of multiple partners. Urban planners, create a sustainable and prosperous future for engineers, farmers, economists and plenty of the province. others will all have to be part of the solution. Ontarians expressed that fundamental message many times over the last year. At a confer- Ontario’s universities are committed to helping ence on sustainability, Peter Love, Chair of the build a sustainable and prosperous future for Ontario Climate Consortium Governing Council, Ontario. To read more about how we intend to help highlighted the importance of energy efficien- achieve this goal, see section 2.3: Partnering to cy and conservation, pointing to data from the Drive a Growing, Dynamic Province. Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research showing that in Canada, “less than 40% of primary energy production typically ends up in the form of useful energy.”74 Of course, any effort to increase energy efficiency and conservation will require large- scale work, such as retrofitting buildings. As the FCM has argued, “older buildings, with poor insulation and leaks, require more heating in winter and more cooling in summer. Increasing the energy efficiency of the stock of buildings can reduce emissions and provide a boost to employment and GDP.”75 But conservation, Love emphasized, also requires buy-in from individual Ontarians, who can change their individual behaviour in their homes and at their offices. It takes an all-in approach.

74 Israel, Benjamin and Ralph Torrie, David B. Layzell and Bastiaan Straatman. “Visualizing Canada’s Energy Systems: You Can’t Manage What You Can’t See!” Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research, December 13, 2016. http://www.cesarnet.ca/blog/visualizing-canada-s-energy-systems-you-cant-manage-what-you-cant-see (Accessed August 1, 2017). 75 Thompson, David and Shannon A. Joseph. “Building Canada’s Green Economy: The Municipal Role.” Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 2011. 50 APPENDICES

what ontarians want D. A Society and Economy That According to many Ontarians, however, Works for All Ontarians: change can sometimes seem far away. When • An inclusive society asked in our survey how much they agreed that in which all Ontarians What Ontarians Said About Aboriginal peoples and their communities will can contribute to Diversity and Access and benefit from the be respected and empowered in five years, the province’s economic average response was 5.4 out of 10, the lowest success. The more we talked to Ontarians about the future score for the seven issues we asked about. • Stronger relationships over the last year, the more we heard about the Ontarians emphasized that the province’s with Aboriginal transformative changes already taking place social and economic future depends on the em- communities and a across the province. The world of work is shifting, powerment of Aboriginal communities. But their focus on ensuring they new technologies are being developed, and concerns about whether Ontario’s future will be have the tools to thrive, including by increasing economic opportunities are quickly opening up truly inclusive extended further as well. their participation for those who can seize them. Many noted that Ontario’s diversity has rate in postsecondary Yet many Ontarians remain concerned that always been one of its finest qualities, but education. only a limited few will ultimately benefit from emphasized that barriers remain in place for • Increased access to these changes. Without significant efforts, they a number of Ontarians. “You can have a good university for under- said, Aboriginal communities will continue to be interpersonal experience, which can make you represented groups, underserved and left out of economic prosperity. feel like you belong, but that doesn’t mean and more culturally Immigrant, racialized and other minority commu- the culture that you are working in is actually sensitive supports for them on campus. nities will continue to face barriers to opportuni- fair and equitable, or that the institutions and ties. And the rise of automation and other tech- the systems are actually fair and equitable,” nological changes could create prosperity while said Andrea Nemtin, President and CEO of the leaving out a significant proportion of Ontarians. Inspirit Foundation, at the Ontario’s Universities In the context of these risks, Ontarians Roundtable on Diversity and Inclusion. delivered a clear message: A better future for Today, Ontario is only growing more diverse Ontario won’t be possible if it does not include as immigrants continue to settle in the province. all Ontarians. As Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz In our survey and at our roundtables, we heard pointed out in a recent speech, Canada’s open- particular concerns about efforts to ensure that ness to new people and new ideas have long Aboriginal communities are empowered and set been the source of its success and prosperity.78 up to thrive in the years and decades to come. And over the last year, we heard from numerous Aboriginal peoples across the province often Ontarians who believe not only that continuing live with the consequences of decades of un- this openness will help create a better future derinvestment and discrimination. This histori- for our province and country, but also that the cal legacy has led to high levels of poverty and social and economic well-being of the province incarceration for Aboriginal peoples across the depends on its embrace of diversity – its ability province. Recent studies have shown it leads to to hear from a variety of voices and benefit from substantial economic losses as well. the variety of Ontarians’ experiences. A report by the National Aboriginal Economic “Diversity is very, very crucial because we Development Board found that Canada’s econo- need to have every single Canadian part of the my is missing out on $27.7 billion a year because journey with us and then we need to be attractive of its “under-utilized” Aboriginal workforce.76 to international talent,” Google Canada’s Fab Similarly, the federal government’s Advisory Dolan said at the Ontario’s Universities Round- Council on Economic Growth has argued that table on Innovation and the New Economy. The “bringing the [workforce] participation rates of argument echoed what another Ontarian wrote in Indigenous peoples up to those of other Canadi- our survey: “Acceptance of cultural diversity and ans” could add billions to the GDP. 77 religious tolerance will lead to a stronger nation, which will create a unique competitive advantage that other nations lack.”

76 The National Aboriginal Economic Development Board. “Reconciliation: Growing Canada’s Economy by $27.7 Billion.” November 2016

77 Advisory Council on Economic Growth. “Tapping Economic 78 Poloz, Stephen. “Canada at 150: It Takes a World to Raise a Nation.” Potential Through Broader Workforce Participation.” 2017. March 2017. D. A SOCIETY AND ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL ONTARIANS: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT SOCIAL SUPPORTS AND EQUALITY 51

Others, meanwhile, wrote more broadly about But the potential consequences of pushing the need to fight for “a more compassionate further into a technology-driven economy with- society, one that looks out for the vulnerable and out ensuring all the proper supports are in place protects the environment.” for Ontarians – without considering whether the These concerns come in the context of rising very way Ontario conceives of social policy today inequality across the world. In Canada, the gap is adequate for the future – could be drastic. between the highest and lowest earners has been “The impact of technology on jobs represents growing since the 1980s. A report on the issue by an unknown,” noted a recent report from the the Institute for Research on Public Policy noted Mowat Centre. “With the right strategies, skills that from 1982 to 2010 “the income of the bottom and supports, Canada could position itself at the 90 per cent increased by a meagre 2 percentage foreground of a new economy. Without the right points. In contrast, the income of the top 10 per approach, Canada could find itself in a long- cent increased by more than 75 per cent and term period of economic stagnation, with many that of the top 0.01 per cent by 160 percent.”79 Canadians on the sidelines of a chaotic, churning This increase in inequality has been reduced, labour market.”83 but not completely removed, by changes to the To create a better future, Ontario needs the tax-and-transfer system over that period.80 input of all Ontarians, and that means creating Ontario has not been immune to this trend. a welcoming, supportive environment for new While the province’s per capita GDP grew by 57 Ontarians and ensuring that those who already per cent from 1976 to 2015, its median after-tax live here – and whose ancestors in many cases income only increased by 27 per cent in that have lived here for millennia – are supported and same period.81 And while a recent analysis of ensured the opportunity to thrive. income data shows much of Ontario still has As we received ideas about how to achieve good economic mobility, there are parts of the this dual goal, it became evident that doing so province where it remains difficult to move up the will require imaginative thinking and coordinated economic ladder.82 work across different sectors. In this context, many Ontarians said that as According to some experts, for instance, the Ontario’s economy transforms and technology prospect of an increasingly automated future changes the way people live and work, they are suggests the need for a basic income that guar- particularly worried about whether all Ontarians antees a certain livelihood to all Ontarians.84 But will be able to share in the benefits and prosperi- others see the need for more complex solutions ty that new technologies may bring. in these complex times. “People in different “My biggest concern is those being left be- situations, of different ages, and different parts hind. The ones who are not part of this transition of the country have different needs,” wrote Noah towards the knowledge economy,” one student Zon, Director of Research and Policy for the May- stated. “As more and more things become auto- tree Foundation, in a recent policy brief. “One mated there will be [fewer] jobs for the unskilled size does not fit all.”85 or low skilled workforce.” These discussions epitomize the bold and These worries reflect why Ontario’s universi- broad thinking that Ontarians stressed will be ties have been committed to ensuring all willing necessary if we are to ensure the transformations and qualified Ontarians can attend university and occurring in our society will lead to opportunity prepare for changes in the economy. and a better future for all Ontarians across the province and across different communities.

79 David A. Green, W. Craig Riddell and France St-Hilaire, “Income Inequality in Canada: Driving Forces, Outcomes and Policy.” In Income Inequality: The Canadian Story, eds. David A. Green, W. Craig Riddell and France St-Hilaire, IRPP, 2016. 83 Johal, Sunil and Jordann Thirgood. “Working Without a Net.” The Mowat Centre, November 2016. 80 Ibid. 84 Jacobsen, Scott Douglas. “An Interview with Dr. Danielle Martin.” 81 Ontario Ministry of Finance, “Ontario’s Long-Term Report on the Basic Income Earth Network, February 20, 2017. http://basicincome. Economy”, 2017. http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/ltr/2017/ch3. org/news/2017/02/interview-dr-danielle-martin-md-ccfp-fcfp- html#s10 (Accessed July 31, 2017) mpp-medical-affairs-health-system-solutions/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). 82 Saunders, Doug and Tom Cardoso. “A Tale of Two Canadas: Where You Grew Up Affects Your Income in Adulthood.” The Globe 85 Zon, Noah. “Would a Universal Basic Income Reduce Poverty?” and Mail, June 23, 2017. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/ Maytree Foundation, August 15, 2016. https://maytree.com/publica- national/a-tale-of-two-canadas-where-you-grow-up-affects-your- tions/universal-basic-income-reduce-poverty/ (Accessed August adult-income/article35444594/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). 1, 2017) 52 APPENDICES

And universities, Ontarians said, are important partners in ensuring Ontario is pursuing forward-thinking ideas, in opening up economic opportunities for Ontarians, and in helping ensure that a growing and changing economy benefits all Ontarians and that the province’s diversity is matched by its inclusiveness. Universi- ties play a vital role, participants at the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on Diversity and In- clusion argued, by increasing access to underserved communities and conducting research on diversity issues. Universities are working hard to meet these challenges, by giving students the skills they need to thrive in changing times, supporting the diverse, inclusive society we wish to see across Ontario, and conducting research that helps our communities and governments tackle the challenges of our changing economy at a systemic level.

Ontario’s universities are committed to building diverse campuses that welcome students from all countries, cultures and backgrounds and help Ontario to foster an inclusive economy and society.

To read more about how Ontario’s universities are committed to helping create an inclusive Ontario, see section 2.1: Partnering to Help Students Thrive. E. A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO CARE: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT HEALTH AND AGING 53

what ontarians want E. A Comprehensive Ontarians, however, also shared concerns about how prepared Ontario is for the changes A comprehensive Approach to Care: • ahead, and whether Ontarians will be able to ac- approach to health that What Ontarians Said About covers prevention and Health Care cess the type of care they need as they grow older. treatment, for both “I am nearing 65 and I worry about my med- physical and mental ications, health care and being able to afford to health. Looking five years into Ontario’s future, there are stay in my house and look after basic needs,” one • Focus on and funding a few things Ontarians were reasonably certain Ontarian wrote in our survey. A recent report from for scientific research about: The province will be more diverse, with the Centre for the Study of Living Standards rein- that will lead to new more immigrants choosing to study, live and work forced this anxiety, noting that there will be mul- cures and treatments, in Ontario. It will continue to face both opportu- tiple pressures on health care costs in the future, and provide Ontarians with world-class nities and challenges because of technological including from increased demand from an aging technology. advancements. And its population will be older population and the rising costs of achieving the than it ever has been. “further improvements in health care demanded A health-care system • 89 that meets the needs of Today, 16.7 per cent of Ontarians are 65 and by the public.” an aging population. over, outnumbering Ontarians who are under 15 Ontarians also repeatedly said that the for the first time.86 In places like Peterborough, health-care system today isn’t adequately ad- • Community planning and development that St. Catharines and Belleville, the number of dressing the needs of the province when it comes takes into account seniors has risen to more than 20 per cent of the to mental health. They expressed some concerns the needs of an aging population.87 By 2041, the Ontario Ministry of particularly in relation to postsecondary institu- population. Finance estimates that seniors will account for 25 tions, noting that, because mental health issues per cent of Ontario’s population.88 often arise for the first time while students are at This demographic change will affect the prov- college or university, there is a particular need ince in a range of a ways. Ontario’s working-age to have robust supports on campuses for all who population will shrink proportionally, putting need them. But the comments we received in our more pressure on fewer people to keep the survey also extended to the health-care system economy growing. Our health-care system will as a whole, with Ontarians repeatedly expressing face increasing demand. And our communities the desire for Ontario to “focus on mental health” will need to ensure that they have the necessary and provide “better resources for mental health” services and infrastructure to allow Ontarians across the province. to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives long into their Most of all, Ontarians regularly stressed that senior years. ensuring a healthy future for Ontario requires a Ontarians highlighted these issues throughout broad focus and a wide assortment of programs our conversations in the last year. In many cases, and initiatives – from continued improvements they expressed great optimism about the future to our hospitals, to greater access to home care of health care in the province. In our survey, and long-term care homes, a renewed focus on Ontarians consistently voiced their excitement mental health, preventive care, and strategies to about the improvements that scientific advances preserve health. would bring over the coming years. Achieving this future, they said, requires the The importance of technology was also a coordinated work of many different groups. “It prominent theme at the Ontario’s Universities is incumbent upon us to get social services and Roundtable on the Aging Population, where An- health care more aligned and work together on thony Dale, the President and CEO of the Ontario strategy,” argued Barbara Steed, Executive Vice Hospital Association, highlighted that technology President of Patient Services and Chief Practice is “one of the only ways we will be able to build Officer at Markham Stouffville Hospital, at the rapid capacity in a short period of time” and so be Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on the Aging able to meet the needs of an aging population. Population. She also challenged others to “take a look ahead of the game” and think about what people in their mid- and late-50s need, “so that we are not always reactive to a current problem.”

86 Statistics Canada, “Age and sex, and type of dwelling data: Key results from the 2016 Census.” http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quoti- dien/170503/dq170503a-eng.htm (Accessed August 1, 2017). 87 Ibid. 89 Drummond, Don, Evan Capeluck and Matthew Calver. “The 88 Ontario Ministry of Finance. “Ontario Population Projections Key Challenge for Canadian Public Policy: Generating Inclusive Update, 2016-2041.” http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/demo- and Sustainable Economic Growth.” Centre for the Study of Living graphics/projections/ (Accessed July 6, 2017). Standards, September 2015. 54 APPENDICES

At a panel on innovation in the health scienc- Ontario’s universities are working hard to help es, meanwhile, Rebecca Yu, the head of health conduct the research, develop the technology, sciences incubator JLABS, noted that the major and foster the age-friendly communities that can scientific advancements that so many Ontarians make this happen. are excited about – the cures for major diseases But responding to the province’s health and treatments for chronic diseases – are too big needs in a comprehensive way that improves the for one researcher, scientist or lab to handle. lives of all Ontarians, whether they are young Building connections between sectors and or old, working or retired, requires the partner- service providers is particularly vital if Ontario is ships, preparation and big-picture thinking that to take a preventive approach to health care that Ontarians consistently called for throughout all will not only keep Ontarians healthier for longer, our conversations. It takes “making the connec- but also bring down health costs across the tions,” as the Wellesley Institute has argued, system. Ontarians spoke often about how healthy between healthy communities and investments living must be incorporated into all aspects of our in transit, infrastructure, housing and culture.92 social policies and planning, and that one fun- That’s why it will take working together to create damental way to do that is to transform our cities a healthier future for all Ontarians. and towns into age-friendly communities. Building age-friendly communities means creating easy access to necessary services and Ontario’s universities are committed to conducting activities. “When amenities such as grocery groundbreaking medical research and helping build stores, medical facilities or community centres healthy communities across Ontario. To read more are too far away to reach on foot,” Glenn Mill- about how we plan to partner with Ontarians for er argued in a recent report for the Institute for a healthier future, see section 2.2: Partnering to Research on Public Policy, “older adults who no Support Our Communities. longer drive become less active and are at risk of becoming isolated.”90 Creating age-friendly communities also means ensuring Ontarians enjoy career and volunteer opportunities and an enriching cultural life at every stage of their lives. The majority of seniors, we heard repeatedly, are most interested in continuing to lead healthy and active lives. “People in their 20s and people in their 60s want the same things,” Mary Lou Tanner, Director of Planning and Building for the City of Burlington, told The Agenda recently. “It’s accessibility to transit, a unit they walk away from, and a place to walk and bike.”91 In this respect, Ontarians emphasized that an aging population does pose challenges – but even more so it presents opportunities to create healthier communities across the province.

90 Miller, Glenn. “No Place to Grow Old: How Canadian Suburbs Can Become Age Friendly.” Institute for Research on Public Policy, March 2017.

91 “Getting Around… When You’re Over 64.” TVO, April 10, 2017. http:// 92 Wellesley Institute. “Making the Connections.” http://www. tvo.org/video/programs/the-agenda-with-steve-paikin/getting- wellesleyinstitute.com/topics/healthy-communities/mak- around--when-youre-over-64 (Accessed August 1, 2017). ing-the-connections/ (Accessed August 1, 2017). F. VIBRANT COMMUNITIES AND STRONG REGIONAL ECONOMIES: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 55

what ontarians want F. Vibrant Communities and Stephan Jost, Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario, made this point at a Canadian Effective local Strong Regional Economies: • Club panel on the future of arts institutions. “We community planning What Ontarians Said About that addresses Community Development do have to have conversations about race and key issues such as class in Canada,” he said. “We need to engage sustainability, health, with these issues through great art.” housing and transit. Over the last year, we heard from Ontarians As the province faces increasingly rapid • Support for arts about a number of challenges and opportunities transformations across society and its economy, and culture that that lie ahead for Ontario and one thing Ontarians also argued that artists play important helps create vibrant became clear early on: Few of them can be roles in imagining possible futures and contend- communities. achieved through the work of single individuals, ing critically with current realities. “In a disruptive • Meaningful organizations or sectors. society, giving people a sense of place, a sense partnerships between Ensuring that students have the broad set of of purpose, a sense of wonder is going to be very postsecondary, skills they need to enter the workforce requires important,” said Claire Hopkinson, Director and private, and public sectors to improve coordination between educators and employers. CEO of the Toronto Arts Council, at OCAD Uni- communities. Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation versity’s Roundtable on Arts and Culture. takes collaboration between researchers and The challenge of coping with today’s disrup- • Research, partnerships and entrepreneurial public and private sector partners. tions and transformations was a common theme initiatives that drive And ensuring that Ontario is ready to meet the in our conversations with Ontarians, and it under- innovation in key needs of its aging population requires consid- lay Ontarians’ desire for stable, resilient commu- industries. ering everything from health care to transit and nities. A strong community with affordable hous- • Support for regional infrastructure needs. ing, vital services and robust partnerships can be economic development Creating a better future for Ontario, in other essential to facing an uncertain future, they said. across the province. words, takes partnership – and the work of Strong infrastructure and robust services are also building those partnerships will largely take pivotal for building strong communities that take place in the province’s many communities. care of all its residents, and for helping society Not surprisingly, then, communities were top “move from the current model of winner-take-all of mind in many of our conversations with Ontari- urbanism to a new model of urbanism-for-all,” as ans. From the start, for instance, young Ontarians Richard Florida argued recently.93 delivered a consistent message: as much as they What Ontarians ultimately signaled is that a were excited to build careers, they were equally community draws its strength not just from its eager to contribute to their communities. parts, but also from its connections. Building rich “I am excited to pursue a career doing what I and resilient communities that will ensure all On- love and to make an impact in my community,” one tarians can prosper in tomorrow’s world requires student wrote. Others emphasized the importance developing links across various sectors. they place on strong communities as they consider where to live and work in the future. There was no one component, however, that emerged as an overwhelming contributor to a strong community. The strength, Ontarians made clear, comes from multiple pieces. Arts and culture was one point of emphasis, with Ontarians telling us about the central role it plays in creating communities that are able to think critically and imaginatively about the most important issues in today’s world.

93 Florida, Richard. “Canada’s New Urban Crisis.” Martin Prosperity Institute, April 2017. 56 APPENDICES

These links are vital, in part, because they We further heard that universities have a foster innovation and economic development major role to play in any collaborative ecosystem, across the province. The Institute for Compet- but that their work is most useful alongside other itiveness and Prosperity (ICP) has emphasized sectors. Across the world, the idea of a “learning the importance of forming clusters by developing city” is also taking hold to emphasize the im- relationships between a region’s companies, ac- portance of establishing deep and meaningful ademic institutions, venture capitalists and gov- connections between educational institutions ernment. Cross-sector collaboration, it argues, and government, business, non-profit, cultural is what allows Ontario to build robust and thriving and community organizations. Establishing these information technology, health science, finance, ties means “removing old divisions of town and tourism, mining, agriculture, and manufactur- gown, the ivory tower against the real world, ing industries in different parts of the province. academic and corporate knowledge sharing, It is what creates the knowledge spillover and and even adult–continuing education versus support systems that inspire entrepreneurs to vocational–technical training” and instead pro- develop new projects and enterprises, which in moting “the development of learning, education, turn help industries innovate and grow.94 and engagement in its entirety,” according to one “When different actors are situated in close expert on the topic. 97 proximity to one another, the transaction costs of In our survey, Ontarians repeatedly called for interacting decreases, naturally leading to more this kind of meaningful engagement between opportunities to share knowledge, form relation- universities and their communities. “Universities ships, and develop partnerships,” notes one of can ensure that they are engaged with communi- ICP’s recent reports.95 If industry has access to ties, beyond what can be seen as solely academ- skilled labour from postsecondary institutions ic,” one parent wrote. “They can work with others and support and funding from both government to create real, meaningful solutions to real-life, and private investors, the report further argues, everyday problems.” each of these sectors flourishes in turn. Ontario’s universities are proud of the work we In a report to the federal government, do in their communities, and we are committed to meanwhile, the Advisory Council on Economic continuing and expanding that work. Growth similarly recommended the establish- We also know that while rich, vibrant commu- ment of innovation marketplaces that bring nities and thriving regional economies are on the together “researchers and entrepreneurs with rise in Ontario, there is still much work to be done public and private customers around a common to ensure that this is the case across the province, business challenge.”96 and particularly in rural and Northern communities. While debate may continue on how to best spur collaboration, all sides stressed that Ontario has to prioritize partnerships in order to guarantee the economic development of its communities and regions.

94 Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. “Clusters in Ontario: Creating an Ecosystem for Prosperity.” June 2016. 95 Ibid.

96 Advisory Council on Economic Growth. “Building a Highly Skilled 97 Scott, Leodis. “Editor’s Notes.” In Learning Cities for Adult Learners, and Resilient Canadian Workforce through the FutureSkills Lab.” 2017. ed. Leodis Scott, Wiley Periodicals, 2015, 1-4 F. VIBRANT COMMUNITIES AND STRONG REGIONAL ECONOMIES: WHAT ONTARIANS SAID ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 57

“I live in Northern Ontario and often it is As Ontario pushes to fulfil these principles, difficult to dream so big for many of us aspiring much of the hard work will take place in commu- professionals. I have been able to experience nities. It’s in communities that Ontarians will plant unique and rewarding opportunities, and I hope the seeds for new partnerships. It’s in communi- that others in the North could receive a greater ties that people from across sectors – from tech- range of these kinds of opportunities,” one On- nology to finance, arts to manufacturing – will tarian wrote in our survey. Another emphasized find spaces to think collaboratively and envision the need for “programs to help people in rural bold new solutions to today’s challenges. It’s in areas. Small businesses are struggling, farmers communities that, collectively, we will create a have it fairly hard where I live, and schools are better future for Ontario. shutting down, lowering the prospects of a good future for the next generation.” As the province continues to shift toward a Ontario’s universities are committed to helping build technology-driven knowledge economy, it is vibrant communities and strong regional economies imperative that all communities be able to share across the province through impactful research, in the benefits that come with this transforma- volunteering, and robust supports for Ontario’s tion. In remote communities, however, a lack of artists. To read more about how we plan to work with dependable broadband internet access often Ontarians to achieve these goal, see section 2.2: limits economic development. A 2016 survey Partnering to Support Our Communities. found that broadband access was the third highest concern for rural Ontario councilors, behind the cost of electricity and supporting growth of new businesses.98 In some Aboriginal communities, meanwhile, limited access to other basic services such as clean water and high schools harms the development and empowerment of their residents. The more we talked to Ontarians over the last year, the more an emphasis emerged on two key principles: Ontario needs to prepare for the future through partnerships and bold, big-picture thinking.

98 Rural Ontario Municipal Association and Rural Ontario Institute, “ROMA Hears: ROMA/ROI Councillor Survey 2016.” 2017. http://www. roma.on.ca/ROMA-Docs/Conference/2017-Presentations/Sunday/ ROMAHearsROMA-ROICouncillorSurvey2016.aspx (accessed July 7, 2017)

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