noun
an institution of higher education providing technical, applied, hands-on learning; offering applied degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training; fuelling business innovation with applied research expertise
Value and Impact
Polytechnics Canada is a non-profit association representing 13 leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics and institutes of technology. We advocate for federal action in areas where polytechnics provide solutions for a more innovative, productive and globally competitive country. As a result, our advocacy priorities are related to:
Innovation & Productivity
Innovation & Productivity
Applied research at Canada’s polytechnics helps non-profit and business enterprises of all sizes find solutions to the challenges they face. In many cases, these projects are also supporting significant social advances from improving health and eldercare to boosting environmental sustainability.
Workforce Development
Workforce Development
Among Canada’s post-secondary institutions, polytechnics have proven themselves to be the most adaptable, agile and well-connected to industry. Polytechnics are focused on strategic workforce development, ensuring learners have the skills required to succeed.
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion
Polytechnics are committed to creating equitable and inclusive places to study and work. Recognizing that the learning environment is enriched by those of various backgrounds and abilities, institutions offer programs and services to meet the needs of the students and communities they serve.
Applied Research Inventory
Applied research refers to an exceptionally broad range of innovation services that polytechnics offer business and community partners to advance new ideas or overcome challenges. Our applied research inventory is a searchable database showcasing the applied research expertise resident at our member institutions.
Latest News & Resources
Interested in learning more about the polytechnic advantage? Our resources bring the polytechnic model of education to life with examples of initiatives and partnerships underway across our member institutions.
Get Social with Polytechnics
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Introducing @CTSFanshawe's ConnectHER as our Shuttle Partner for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase!
ConnectHER is a nation-wide skilled trades initiative aimed at developing the training, mentorship and support solutions needed to address specific challenges faced by women in the…
Last chance to grab an Early Bird ticket for the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase at @RRC Polytech!
The Showcase is an annual event that brings together presidents and senior leaders of Canada's leading polytechnics to share best practices, network and learn from one another.
This…
Ben Wildavsky is an award-winning author, speaker and higher education strategist, and now the closing keynote speaker at the 2025 Polytechnic Showcase!
His recent book, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘴: 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦, 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴,…
Land Acknowledgement
As a national association, Polytechnics Canada acknowledges that our offices are located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and that our members are located on the traditional territories of numerous Indigenous nations. We recognize there is much to learn on the path to reconciliation and that Canadian post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to be active participants. To learn how Canada’s polytechnics are supporting Indigenous inclusion on their campuses, click here.