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
Canada’s skills challenge demands stronger connections between education and industry.
In a new @TheTorontoSun op-ed, Polytechnics Canada’s @SarahWRynard and @riipen 's @GreatDanez make the case for expanding work-integrated learning to help businesses boost productivity and
The Government of Canada has announced more than $430 million over five years through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), including two funding opportunities available to polytechnic institutions:
•Training Equipment ($100M): Additional funding to support
Today’s the day! @SarahWRynard, CEO of Polytechnics Canada, will join leaders from across Canada’s innovation ecosystem at the 2026 @CANARIE_Inc Summit to explore how trusted connections are accelerating skills development, applied research, commercialization and economic growth.
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.