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.

Opinions
Program Preview: Parity of Esteem for the Skilled Trades

Program Preview: Parity of Esteem for the Skilled Trades

Opinions
Program Preview: Building Skills for the Canadian Military

Program Preview: Building Skills for the Canadian Military

News Articles
We need more skilled workers and we need them faster

We need more skilled workers and we need them faster

News Articles
How to fix Canada’s sputtering productivity

How to fix Canada’s sputtering productivity

Policy Papers & Submissions
Empowering the Next Generation: A Closer Look at Indigenous Learner Success

Empowering the Next Generation: A Closer Look at Indigenous Learner Success

Best Practices
Polytechnic Applied Research

Polytechnic Applied Research

Best Practices
Polytechnics at Work

Polytechnics at Work

News Articles
Productivity Now: How an underutilized — yet proven — model of higher education can lift Canada’s economy out of the productivity crisis

Productivity Now: How an underutilized — yet proven — model of higher education can lift Canada’s economy out of the productivity crisis

Policy Papers & Submissions
Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada – Consultation on Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market

Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada – Consultation on Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market

Policy Papers & Submissions
Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research – Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research – Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy

News Articles
Reimagining education: A polytechnic path to youth employment – and Canada’s resilience

Reimagining education: A polytechnic path to youth employment – and Canada’s resilience

Policy Papers & Submissions
Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research – Private Sector Investment in Research and Development

Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research – Private Sector Investment in Research and Development

Get Social with Polytechnics

Join Dr. Adel Esayed, Dr. Margrit Talpalaru, and Shehroze Saharan, along with industry partner Miyoko Oikawa from @OntarioHBA, as they explore how @GBPolytech is transforming construction education through its new AI‑enabled Master’s of Construction Management — embedding AI into

Discover how @KwantlenU is advancing intra‑institutional parity of esteem by creating clear pathways between trades and undergraduate programs at the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase.

Join Dr. David Burns and Laura McDonald as they highlight a credit recognition framework that enables

We are pleased to welcome @pearson as the Opening Reception Partner for the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase!

Pearson is a global learning company dedicated to helping people realize the life they imagine through education. From digital learning tools and assessments to credentials and

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.