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.

Get Social with Polytechnics

At the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase, @FanshaweCollege will spotlight a groundbreaking partnership with the 31 Canadian Brigade Group — Canada’s first post‑secondary military co‑op program.

Launched in 2025, this innovative model integrates academic learning with paid Army Reserve

We’re excited to welcome Academica Group as the Registration Partner for the 2026 Polytechnic Showcase.

Each year, Academica’s teams make meaningful impact across the post-secondary sector — completing over 100 research and consulting projects, producing 300+ newsletters and

On the heels of the federal government’s Spring Economic Update, which announced $6 billion in new investments in apprenticeship training, Polytechnics Canada CEO @SarahWRynard took to the airwaves to underscore the polytechnic advantage in delivering fast, flexible and

Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard

Just finished cross-country interviews with @CBC radio hosts to talk about new federal investments in apprenticeship. Now let’s get to the work of ensuring #apprentices can move efficiently from registration to completion, something a majority do at Canada’s #polytechnics.

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.