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 defence readiness depends on understanding today’s labour market and building strong connections between employers, education and training providers, and the communities they serve.
Join Polytechnics Canada and the @LMIC_CIMT for an important conversation on how labour
Canada’s top polytechnics are at the heart of trusted innovation networks – bringing together people, talent, technology and industry to turn ideas into impact.
@SarahWRynard , CEO of Polytechnics Canada, will join leaders from across Canada’s innovation ecosystem at the 2026
What can Canada and Ireland teach each other about the future of applied higher education?
Our newly released report, 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢-𝘐𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴, explores that question.
The report highlights lessons 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.