Canada needs new data for a new economy

When the federal Liberals took power in 2015, they made evidence a key priority in policy-making. Yet, three years on, we still don’t have the data that will enable the development of a future-forward workforce in Canada. We have data that focuses largely on traditional occupations, but the changing nature of jobs, and the need for whole new skill sets, requires that we broaden our thinking.

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Robot Proof: What Joseph Aoun’s latest book means for higher education in Canada

The changing nature of work is a hot topic these days and policy makers across the globe must grapple with the challenges it presents. In our search for solutions, we need to remember that the future of work is inextricably linked to the future of education.

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Our planning for the future of work must include education

It’s hard to find anyone these days who’s not talking about artificial intelligence (AI), robots, automation, the gig economy and what it all means for the future of work. Global diplomatic circles are no different. In June, when leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies meet in Charlevoix, Quebec, the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future.

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Applied research is reclaiming contaminated urban industrial sites

Outstanding discovery research occurs at universities across the country. However, far too often, this research fails to arrive at the commercial marketplace. Consecutive governments have attempted to tackle this challenge, focusing research dollars on particular aspects of the research-innovation ecosystem. This has left those not in the funding limelight to cry protest, plead neglect or worse, be under-valued. Yet the reality is that we need to support all types of research.

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