Nobina Robinson

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Nobina Robinson Nobina Robinson Nobina Robinson has been an advocate and thought leader in post-secondary education and training policy for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in not-for-profit management. She served from 2009 to 2018 as chief executive officer of Polytechnics Canada, the national association that represents Canada’s degree- granting polytechnics and colleges. Previously, Nobina worked at Seneca College. She served as a member of the Expert Panel on the Review of Federal Support to Business Research and Development. She was also instrumental in urging the federal government to establish in 2015 the Canada Apprentice Loan program. She has been a long-time advocate for the inclusion of college and polytechnic applied research in federal supports for higher education R&D. Nobina began her federal public service career in 1990. She served as a Canadian foreign service officer, notably as a political officer at the Canadian embassy in Havana from 1994 to 1997. From 1998 to 2002, she was executive director of the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL), a policy thinktank working to enhance Canada’s relations with the Americas. Nobina has written numerous media commentaries about Canada’s innovation and talent challenges, and opportunities for modernizing Canada’s skills and research ecosystems. She serves as chair of the board of Informed Opinions, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to seeking gender balance in media commentary. She has been named executive fellow at the School of Public Policy of the University of Calgary and senior fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute. She holds a BA from Amherst College, Massachusetts, an MA from Oxford University (where she was a Commonwealth Scholar) and has pursued post-graduate studies at Yale University. For her service to the cause of applied learning, Nobina was awarded an honorary degree in 2018 from Algonquin College. .
Recommended publications
  • Governing Post-Secondary Education and Skills in Canada Alison Howard, Jessica Edge
    Centre for Skills and Post-Secondary Education POLICIES, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS Governing Post- Secondary Education and Skills in Canada. REPORT NOVEMBER 2014 For the exclusive use of Joseph Mior, [email protected], Fleming College. Policies, Laws, and Regulations: Governing Post-Secondary Education and Skills in Canada Alison Howard, Jessica Edge Preface This report analyzes the policies, laws, and regulations governing post- secondary education (PSE) and skills in Canada. It is one of three foundational studies by The Conference Board of Canada’s Centre for Skills and Post- Secondary Education. The report strives to understand and make sense of past efforts, including successes and failures, and to identify priority areas for action on policies, laws, and regulations reform that will lead to future, ongoing success in the skills and PSE environment. To cite this report: Howard, Alison and Jessica Edge. Policies, Laws, and Regulations: Governing Post-Secondary Education and Skills in Canada. Ottawa: The Conference Board of Canada, 2014. © 2014 The Conference Board of Canada* Published in Canada | All rights reserved | Agreement No. 40063028 | *Incorporated as AERIC Inc. ® The Conference Board of Canada and the torch logo are registered trademarks of The Conference Board, Inc. Forecasts and research often involve numerous assumptions and data sources, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. This information is not intended as specific investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. © The Conference Board of Canada. All rights reserved. Please contact cboc.ca/ip with questions or concerns about the use of this material. Acknowledgements This report has been prepared by The Conference Board of Canada, under the direction of Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Polytechnics & the Future of Work
    POLYTECHNICS & THE FUTURE OF WORK PREPARING TODAY’S LEARNERS FOR TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE Preparing for Disruption The signs of change are everywhere. Automation, artificial intelligence and the Internet-of- Things are becoming commonplace across economic sectors, even in traditional fields like agriculture, forestry and resource extraction. At the same time, demographics are working against us, amplifying the requirement for strategic workforce development. Disruption, regardless of its source, calls for swift action to prepare Canadians with the skills they need to adapt to new realities. While the changing nature of work often provokes fear about the shrinking role of people in the labour market, it is becoming clear that new jobs will be created and many more transformed. In fact, report after report on the future of work speaks to the skills that set humans apart, including dynamic problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability. The challenge is to develop the workforce we need today while empowering learners with the skills to succeed tomorrow. The future of work will rely on our capacity to make lifelong learning affordable, accessible and integrated with workplace culture. In this environment, one thing is clear: Canada’s polytechnics are ideally positioned to lead the charge. Among Canada’s post-secondary institutions, polytechnics have proven themselves to be adaptable, agile and well-connected to industry. They deliver up-to-date and in-demand skills across sectors and to all age groups. They support hands-on, applied and technology-enabled classroom and workplace learning. Best of all, they have the unique ability to pivot quickly as the ground shifts.
    [Show full text]
  • Humber-Viewbook-20-21.Pdf
    2020| 2021 VIEWBOOK Set your future. humber.ca Follow these steps to get into your dream program at Humber RESEARCH PROGRAMS APPLY TO HUMBER TRACK YOUR APPLICATION Visit humber.ca/programs Apply to Humber through Track the status of your application to find information about all of ontariocolleges.ca. through Humber’s student portal our programs. humber.ca/myhumber. RECEIVE YOUR OFFER CONFIRM YOUR OFFER YOUR NEXT STEPS Congratulations! You’ve received Confirm your offer through Many programs require placement an offer of admission via email and a ontariocolleges.ca. testing. This testing is not for Humber Welcome Package in the mail. admission. Check your email for information on booking a test date. PAY YOUR FEES REGISTER FOR CLASSES ATTEND ORIENTATION Find information about applying Register for classes online at Find out where your classes are and for bursaries, scholarships and the humber.ca/myhumber. learn more about student services. Visit humber.ca/orientation. Ontario Student Assistance Program Check important dates at (OSAP) at humber.ca/financial-aid. humber.ca/academic-calendar. YOU’VE ARRIVED Welcome to your first day at Humber! There is an interactive version of this road map online at: humber.ca/admissionsroadmap. “ Humber bridges the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on experience which is what employers in my field want.” — Bogdan, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, Advanced Diploma To find out more about Bogdan’s experience at Humber, see page 9. 1 HUMBER VIEWBOOK 2020| 2021 A Humber education helps you go from classroom to career gaining real-world experience along the way. Richard HIGH SCHOOL Richard graduates from high school and plans on becoming a chef.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Download
    Guest Editorial Canada’s Polytechnics Represent Disruption in Action Sarah Watts-Rynard Polytechnics Canada Originally featured on Troy Media Ireland to conduct collaborative research and exchanges, It seems everywhere you look, people are talking about with projects focused on the medicinal use of honey and transformation in Canadian workplaces. Robots, driverless concrete additives. Polytechnics Canada’s 13 members cars and Internet-enabled machines are changing the are working together to mutually recognize student nature of work. employability skills through shared micro-credentials. An aging population is putting unprecedented Disruption fuels change at the institution level. pressure on health-care services and leading to shortages At Algonquin College, faculty and staff are using lean in sectors where retirements are outpacing available young management principles to drive employee engagement people with the necessary skills. and inspire innovation. Daily huddles, visual management The world around us is in a state of constant and scientific problem-solving have become a part of the reinvention, with new fields, new equipment and new skill college’s culture. requirements emerging at a dizzying pace. At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, program design When one is confronted with change of this magnitude, and quality assurance processes take into account agility becomes critical. It’s here that polytechnic institutions employability skills, work-integrated learning, applied shine. They’re intimately connected to industry and have a research and Indigenization of curriculum. proven ability to respond quickly to emerging requirements. Red River College has established a new internal Education is practical, technical and hands-on—and there’s funding program to support interdisciplinary projects at little room for complacency.
    [Show full text]
  • APRIL 10, 2013 5:00PM Present: Mohammad Ali Aumeer Mitzie
    THE GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY BOARD OF GOVERNORS PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES APRIL 10, 2013 200 KING ST EAST, TORONTO 5:00PM Present: Mohammad Ali Aumeer Mitzie Hunter Anne Sado Rahul Bhardwaj James McPhedran David Wilkes Julie Bulmash Lynn Nagle, Chair Bob Wong Laurie Cook Geetha Rahupathy Joe Zenobio Sue Herbert Christine Raissis Guests Nancy Hood Laura Jo Gunter Ric Ho Adrienne Galway Eugene Harrigan Dan Wright Regrets: Robert Luke Minutes: Diane Fantinato Note: Items do not necessarily appear in the order they were discussed. ITEM DISCUSSION ACTION 1.0 Chair’s Report L. Nagle advised that Mitzie Hunter’s LGIC application was approved late February so she is “officially” a member of the board. She offered congratulations to Bob Wong on his upcoming 2012 Victoria College Distinguished Alumni Award. A dinner in his honour will be held on Wednesday, April 17. The award is given annually to a Victoria College Alumna/us who has distinguished her or himself through extraordinary contribution to society at large. Geetha Rahupathy was also acknowledged as receiving the first Good Governance Certificate of Completion. She completed the requirements of the certificate, which is offered through the College Centre of Board Excellence. 2.0 Consent Agenda MOTION MOTION THAT the Board of Governors approve the Consent Agenda for the meeting held on 13-05-01 April 10, 2013 which includes the following items: . Approval of the Board of Governor Minutes – February 13, 2013 . Approval of the following programs: - Analytics for Business Decision Making Graduate Certificate - Digital Media Marketing Graduate Certificate - Network and System Security Analysis Graduate Certificate - Bachelor of Behaviourial Psychology Degree .
    [Show full text]
  • George Brown College Strategic Mandate Agreement 2017-2020
    STRATEGIC MANDATE AGREEMENT George Brown College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2017-2020 SIGNED for d on behalf of the Ministry SIGNED for and on behalf of George Brown of Adva Education and Skills College of Applied Arts and Technology by: Sheldon levy Deputy Minister Date Date r l WN l. £:;>Ontario ~ 1: I • Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction Preamble Institutional Vision, Mission, Mandate Aspirations Section 2: Shared Objectives and Priorities for Differentiation 1.0 Student Experience 2.0 Innovation in Teaching and Learning Excellence 3.0 Access and Equity 4.0 Applied Research Excellence and Impact 5.0 Innovation, Economic Development and Community Engagement Section 3: Enrolment Strategy, Program Direction, Sustainability and Partnerships 6.0 Enrolment Strategy and Program Direction Domestic and International Enrolment Projections International Strategy and Collaboration Strategic Areas of Program Strength and Expansion Apprenticeship Financial Sustainability 7.0 Institutional Collaboration and Partnerships Section 4: Ministry Commitments 1 Preamble This Strategic Mandate Agreement between the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and George Brown College outlines the role the College currently performs in Ontario’s postsecondary education system and how it will build on its current strengths to achieve its vision and help drive system-wide objectives and government priorities. The Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA): Identifies
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report2012
    Annual Report2012 Expertise Knowledge Opportunity Leadership Gaining Momentum Over the past year, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has been engaging with decision-makers and practitioners, capitalizing on a wealth of opportunities in Canada and abroad, and building on the major changes initiated by our membership task force in 2011. Leadership • The theme of this annual report is Gaining Momentum, chosen to reflect CBIE’s increasing strength, breadth and visibility as an organization, as well as the expanding awareness and support for international education across Canada — in educational institutions, governments, business, media, and the general public. While focal points and terms may differ — study abroad, international student mobility, education exports, internationalization — overall recognition of the value of international education is clearly gaining momentum. CBIE will continue to play a central role in expanding knowledge of and support for international education over the coming years. In 2011-12, we advocated for greater focus on international education, and were gratified at the appointment of the Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy by the federal government. We provided substantial input to the Panel, participating in the majority of its consultations and engaging with the Panel’s Chair and members at our 2011 conference. Opportunity • We continued to build the Canadian Consortium for International Education Marketing (CCIEM), comprising the five leading organizations representing the vast majority of the education sector in Canada. We worked to raise the profile of CCIEM with senior leaders and with the public, making the case for a key role for CCIEM in action plans pertaining to international education.
    [Show full text]
  • Enhancing the Flow of Supply and Demand Information Among Training Institutions, Students, and Employers
    Enhancing the Flow of Supply and Demand Information among Training Institutions, Students, and Employers Larry Orton Ann Harvey CPRN Research Report | October 2008 The views expressed in this report are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Canadian Policy Research Networks Inc. © 2008 Contents Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................... iii Foreword ......................................................................................................................... iv 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 2. Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3 3. Context ................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Terminology .............................................................................................................. 5 3.2 Associations Contacted ............................................................................................. 6 3.3 Qualifications Frameworks ....................................................................................... 6 3.4 A Note on Two Institutions ....................................................................................... 7 3.5 Australia ...................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Polytechnics Canada
    1 Sharpening Canada's Competitive Edge Competition Policy Review Panel Online submission January 10, 2008 Polytechnics Canada is an alliance of seven large, internationally recognized post- secondary institutions committed to producing career-ready graduates who combine critical thinking with theoretical understanding and practical competence. The seven members are located in regions that drive the Canadian economy: The lower Fraser Valley, the Calgary/Tar Sands corridor, the Golden Horseshoe and the Kitchener/Guelph/Waterloo high-tech triangle. Collectively, the seven members - BCIT, SAIT Polytechnic, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Humber College, Sheridan Institute and Seneca College – annually educate more than 500,000 highly-qualified people essential to Canada’s economy by offering an array of credentials including applied bachelor degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, post-graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training, across a wide range of fields. Distinctive to them is their ability to provide pathways from degrees to specialized certificates or from diplomas to degrees allowing students, regardless of where they are in the education continuum, to upgrade their credentials in response to industry needs. Integral to polytechnic education is the opportunity given to students to participate in applied research and commercialization projects. The applied research conducted at these institutions is driven by the need to solve industry problems. Because of this it achieves two goals: the transfer of technical and technological knowledge needed in today’s workplace and the resolution of industry problems leading to commercialization. The fundamental task of the Competition Policy Review Panel is to provide recommendations to the government on how to enhance Canadian productivity and competitiveness, as these are keys to generating wealth and creating jobs and opportunity in a fast-changing global economic environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges in Canadian Post-Secondary Education
    CHALLENGES IN CANADIAN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Navigating Post-secondary Education in Canada: The Challenge of a Changing Landscape September 1, 2010 This publication is only available electronically through the Canadian Council on Learning’s website, www.ccl-cca.ca/pse. © 2010 Canadian Council on Learning All rights reserved. This publication can be reproduced in whole or in part with the written permission of the Canadian Council on Learning. For permission, please contact: [email protected]. These materials are to be used solely for non-commercial purposes. Cite this publication in the following format: Canadian Council on Learning, “Navigating Post-secondary Education in Canada: The Challenge of a Changing Landscape,“ Challenges in Canadian Post-secondary Education, (Ottawa: 2010). 55 pages. Published September 1, 2010. Ottawa, Ontario ISBN 978-1-926612-43-0 Aussi disponible en français sous le titre, « Explorer l’enseignement postsecondaire au Canada : Le défi d’un milieu en mutation ». The Canadian Council on Learning is an independent, not-for-profit corporation. It provides evidence-based information to Canadians so they can make the best decisions about learning throughout all stages of life, from early childhood through to the senior years. www.ccl-cca.ca Canadian Council on Learning 200 – 440 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6 613.782.2959 Fax: 613.782.2956 E-mail [email protected] Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The College Advantage
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ÉDUQ The College Advantage: Private Sector Innovation & Highly Qualified Personnel Report to the Director Higher Education Research and Development Policy Directorate Industry Canada Prepared by Roger Fisher Fanshawe College © March 2008 Executive Summary • Since 2002 there has been a dramatic increase in the capacity of colleges to conduct applied research in support of Canada’s innovation agenda. This capacity has been demonstrated through a wide range of applied research and innovation activities. • Canadian colleges are playing an increasingly important role in augmenting the innovative capacity and competitiveness of Canada’s SMEs, and providing key transformational changes for business, industry, and individuals alike. In response to “market pull”, colleges are increasingly focused on solving problems for small local businesses and helping them to survive and thrive by adopting new technologies and launching new and improved products and processes. • Canada’s colleges are frontline players in addressing the changing technological and skills requirements of the 21st century Canadian marketplace. Applied research activities extend and enhance the college mandate to produce current, well prepared workers by providing rich learning activities for today’s students to experience real world challenges, hands-on training with leading edge technologies, contact with industry, and advanced skills training in all sectors of the economy. • Colleges are active participants in an ever-expanding pan-Canadian array of networks, associations, and consortia established in every region of the country. • Colleges have successfully obtained research funding through government sources and through private sector partnerships, thereby adding capacity and consistently demonstrating both short term benefits and the potential for longer term economic benefits.
    [Show full text]
  • Demand-Driven Solutions for Made-In-Canada Innovation and Talent
    Demand-driven Solutions for Made-in-Canada Innovation and Talent: Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance Pre-budget Consultations August 6, 2014 Text conforms to word limits established by the Standing Committee on Finance. 1410-130 Albert St. Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4 Phone: 613.656.1541 www.polytechnicscanada.ca Demand-driven Solutions for Made-in-Canada Innovation and Talent EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Polytechnics Canada's recommendations for the 2015 Federal Budget concentrate on two themes from the current consultation: • Increasing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses through research, development, innovation and commercialization; and • Maximizing the number and types of jobs for Canadians. Our recommendations are grouped into three policy areas where continued federal action and leadership can make a difference: • business innovation; • labour market information, and • apprenticeship. We present 10 practical ideas that are demand-driven and focused on outcomes. While we have costed these recommendations based on reallocating existing federal funding, some will require new funding. These skills and innovation challenges have accumulated over several decades, and while long-term, stable funding is necessary for meaningful change, Polytechnics Canada believes that the 2015 Federal Budget can enable targeted and immediate improvements in both innovation performance and employment outcomes. Polytechnics Canada welcomes the opportunity to provide ideas to the Finance Committee’s pre-budget consultation. We propose a range of practical, demand-driven solutions focused on outcomes. Our ideas are designed to address two clear and persistent threats to the Canadian economy – the poor record of commercializing Canadian invention and the nation's skills challenges, be they skills mismatches or regional and sectoral skills shortages.
    [Show full text]