Media
DIACC Research & Academia Forum: Developing an Inclusive Digital Trust Workforce
Advancing inclusion within a workforce requires investment to achieve greater visibility and skills for diverse voices. This investment is critical to develop students’ interest in technology and research and toward implementing design thinking that connects individual insights towards common goals. Education sets a foundation for people to develop future skills, prepare for jobs, and to support employers with the skilled workforce needed to grow.
Panelists (including Denise Amyot, B.Sc, B.Ed, M.Ed, ICD.D, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada) share their insights to this fascinating conversation.
Denise Amyot and Don Lovisa address SRSR committee
CICan president and CEO Denise Amyot, and Durham College President Don Lovisa address the Standing Committee on Science and Research on March 22, 2022.
EKOS survey launch // Lancement du sondage réalisé par EKOS
With a new EKOS Research poll, we wanted to dig deeper and get a better sense of how Canadians perceive the ability of post-secondary institutions to meet their needs in terms of training and life-long learning. Here’s what we learned.
CSPC 2016: Denise Amyot
Denise Amyot : Une pionnière de l'innovation
Denise Amyot est la première femme, francophone par surcroît, à devenir présidente-directrice générale de Collèges et instituts Canada. Une entrevue de Nadia Campbell TFO 24.7, le nouveau regard francophone TFO 24.7 / http://tfo.org/24.7/ Twitter / http://twitter.com/TFO247 Facebook / http://facebook.com/TFO24.7
Radio Canada, May 7, 2022Radio/Podcast
Denise Amyot en entrevue à l'émission les Malins de Radio Canada.
Public Policy Forum, September 9, 2020Radio/Podcast
URL: https://ppforum.ca/policy-speaking/ep-22-old-school-to-online-school-university-colleges-covid-19/
Denise Amyot, CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, and Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada, saw the move online of 2.2 million learners in the 10 days after the pandemic struck. Now those students are going back to school in new ways – ways we didn't expect to be the norm for 10 years.
How Ottawa can help ensure more inclusive post-pandemic recovery
The Hill Times, April 8, 2021Print
With its upcoming budget, the federal government has an opportunity to set in motion a truly resilient recovery for Canada. We believe the foundation of this effort must be helping the many Canadian workers displaced in a job market that was turned upside down by the pandemic. In times like these, the critical role of Canada’s post-secondary system – helping Canadians adapt and develop the skills they need to succeed – becomes more important than ever.
Why Canada leads the world in delivering a skilled workforce
Toronto Star, January 27, 2020Print
Year after year, Canada figures among the top-ranked countries when comparing post-secondary attainment rates. In 2018, 62 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds in Canada held a post-secondary title or degree, way above the 44 per cent average among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.
Realizing Canada’s vision for a greener future
the Globe and Mail, February 28, 2020Print
URL: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/adv/article-realizing-canadas-vision-for-a-greener-future/
Last summer, young people around the world took to the streets demanding action on climate change in one of the largest global youth movements in recent history, making it clear that they will no longer allow leaders to ignore the impacts of climate change.
Support collaboration to give Canadian innovation a boost
Research Money, November 5, 2019Print
In our country of small businesses, where over 99% of companies are considered small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), collaboration is often the key to growth and innovation. It’s what spurs ingenuity, helping a business to punch above its weight. But Canada needs more and that requires sustained support for innovative partnerships.
The new applied research trailblazers
Canadian Innovation News, December 6, 2018Print
URL: http://www.canadianinnovationnews.ca/the-new-applied-research-trailblazers/
This fall, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) hosted its latest Applied Research Symposium in Ottawa, which was a wonderful opportunity to hear from experts and leaders in research from across the country, but perhaps most importantly, from students. This event has proved the perfect opportunity to present a national Student Innovation Showcase on Parliament Hill, and every year, high profile guests are amazed by the depth and scope of the projects on display.
Going Green
Globe and Mail, February 24, 2017Print
URL: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/partners/advcolleges0217/going-green/article34117903/
Judging by the number of green initiatives and innovations, Canada’s colleges and institutes appear determined to show the world they are fertile ground for furthering environmental sustainability. Their green activities are varied and diverse, affecting the curriculum, areas of research, campus management and community outreach, says Denise Amyot, president and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
Supporting immigrants and international students key to Canada’s economic future
Canadian Immigrant, February 10, 2022Online
Leaders in the post-secondary sector, Denise Amyot, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College, offer reflections on the importance of supporting immigrants, including international students, and share recommendations.
Q+A with Denise Amyot
Study Travel, February 10, 2022Online
URL: https://studytravel.network/magazine/news/2/28830
Interview with Denise Amyot, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), about the association’s activities, Covid-19, international student trends and its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Leveraging international education for a globally connected and prosperous Canada
iPolitics, May 11, 2020Online
Canadians understand the importance of welcoming individuals from all around the world to our country. Canada is a desirable destination for trade, travel, study and immigration. We know that our prosperity and international competitiveness rely on being open to people and opportunity from every corner of the world.
Budget 2019 supports lifelong learning, but mostly leaves innovation aside
CSPC, March 26, 2019Online
URL: https://sciencepolicy.ca/news/budget-2019-supports-lifelong-learning-mostly-leaves-innovation-aside
From the get-go, Budget 2019 was introduced by Finance Minister Bill Morneau as a “skills budget” and indeed it delivered a wide range of measures aimed at supporting access to education and lifelong learning. For colleges and institutes this was an important step towards adopting a more coherent national strategy for skills development, which is critically important to prepare Canadians for the future of work. On the innovation front however, which is equally important to Canada’s future prosperity, this budget contained few new measures for colleges and institutes.
Budget 2019 supports lifelong learning, but mostly leaves innovation aside
CSPC, March 26, 2019Online
URL: https://sciencepolicy.ca/news/budget-2019-supports-lifelong-learning-mostly-leaves-innovation-aside
From the get-go, Budget 2019 was introduced by Finance Minister Bill Morneau as a “skills budget” and indeed it delivered a wide range of measures aimed at supporting access to education and lifelong learning. For colleges and institutes this was an important step towards adopting a more coherent national strategy for skills development, which is critically important to prepare Canadians for the future of work. On the innovation front however, which is equally important to Canada’s future prosperity, this budget contained few new measures for colleges and institutes.
Training tomorrow’s workforce
Corporate Knights, October 7, 2016Online
URL: http://www.corporateknights.com/channels/education/training-tomorrows-workforce-14758164/
Canada’s clean technology industry is growing at four times the rate of the overall economy, putting increasing responsibility on educators to prepare workers for the transition to a low-carbon future.
CICan barnstorms innovation and science consultations, releases economic impact study
Research Money, October 27, 2016Online
Colleges and their graduates are estimated to have contributed more than $190 billion in added income to the Canadian economy in FY14-15 or 12.7% of GDP and are seeking additional support for their research and innovation activities to boost contributions even further. Colleges and Institutes Canada made their case in submissions to both the Innovation Agenda and Fundamental Science Review panels.
There's A Way We Can End The Indigenous Health Crisis
Published by The Huffington Post
May 19, 2016
Erin Konsmo, a Metis, is doing great things to improve the health of her community. She has found success breaking down conversation barriers with youth about a variety of sensitive topics in her work with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network. Leading workshops on traditional indigenous practices like beading, she has been able to have important conversations about safer sex, two-spirited experiences and the history of Indigenous people in Canada.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/denise-amyot/indigenous-health-crisis_b_10046468.html
Supporting Indigenous Education Key To Thriving Economy
Published by the Huffington post
June 28, 2016
With indigenous peoples among the fastest growing demographic in Canada, providing education opportunities that ensure they have the skills they need to succeed is more than a social responsibility, it is also an economic imperative. Collaboration between educators and leaders in the business sector is therefore key in achieving real progress.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jean-paul-gladu/indigenous-education_b_10719986.html
Pursuing Inclusive Growth Through Skills And Innovation
Published by the Huffington Post
March 15, 2017
Skills and innovation -- core elements of the college/institute mandate -- have emerged as absolutely fundamental to the government's agenda. They have been the focus of several consultations and more than a few reports, including a recent series of recommendations by the finance minister's Advisory Council on Economic Growth.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/denise-amyot/pursuing-inclusive-growth_b_15385224.html
Partnered Innovation: colleges and institutes’ contribution to Canada’s innovation ecosystem
Published by Canadian Science Policy Center
September 21, 2016
Across Canada, inventors, researchers and entrepreneurs are dreaming up the world of tomorrow. Through bold acts of ingenuity, they are continuously pushing the boundaries of both what we know and what we can achieve, as individuals and as a country. These innovators, wherever they are found, are critical to Canada’s success but it is important to realize that they cannot do it alone – innovation is driven by partnerships.
Preparing Canadians for the green economy
Published by the Globe and Mail
February 24, 2017
Since his government’s election, Prime Minister Trudeau has frequently reminded Canadians that economic development and fighting climate change are not mutually exclusive and, in fact, create new opportunities for growth. This transition to a greener, more ecologically minded economy is indeed taking shape, with new technologies and processes reshaping activities in almost all sectors.
Investment in Post-Secondary Education Is Needed for a Strong Economy
Published by The Huffington Post
October 8, 2015
The economy is clearly the central issue of the current election campaign, yet a vital topic has been absent from the debate so far. We've heard much talk of stimulating the economy, supporting small business and fostering innovation, but we have not heard the parties' vision for the role post-secondary education can play in driving growth across the country.
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/paul-charette/post-secondary-education-economy_b_8247604.html
Les cégeps, une richesse pour le Québec
Published by Le Huffington Post Québec
March 10, 2015
Depuis près de 50 ans, le réseau collégial du Québec fait figure de chef de file en matière d'éducation postsecondaire, tant au niveau national qu'international. Fort de ses 48 cégeps, le système québécois et l'appui qu'il a généralement reçu du gouvernement provincial font bien des envieux ailleurs au pays où il demeure un modèle sur le plan de l'accessibilité et de la qualité des programmes.
URL: http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/denise-amyot/les-cegeps-une-richesse-pour-le-quebec_b_8233574.html
Biography
Denise Amyot is the President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), which is the national voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, cégeps, and polytechnics. She is an advocate for Canadian post-secondary education and a proven leader with extensive experience in non-governmental organisations as well as the public sector. Amyot came to CICan following a distinguished career in the public service, where she occupied a number of high profile leadership positions. She served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, a federal crown corporation which includes three national science museums. She was also the Senior Vice-President of the Leadership and Talent Management Sector at the Canada Public Service Agency (now Treasury Board), leading and managing leadership development programs, and developing policies for employees and executives throughout the Public Service of Canada. Before moving into management positions, Amyot began her career as an educator and worked in Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories to teach and develop a variety of pedagogical resource materials. Parallel to her work at CICan, she is also currently Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) and the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Institute of Science, Society and Policy (ISSP). She also sits on the Human Resources Policy Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and on the Advisory Council of the Schulich Centre for Excellence in Public Management at Western University. Amyot has also been appointed as a director by the Government of Ontario to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada’s largest foundation.
Recognition/Reconnaissance
People’s Award, Canada Public Service Agency (2008) | Professional
Recognizing leadership in the public sector
President’s Award of Excellence in Communications Leadership (2006)
Awarded by the International Association of Business Communicators, Ottawa
Public Sector Excellence Life Time Achievement Award
Awarded by the Canadian Public Sector Quality Association / Excellence Canada
Open Text Global Star Award in Innovation (2013)
In recognition of the creation of Public Service Without Borders
Leadership Award in Innovation
Awarded by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada for the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP)
International Award in Leadership in Museum (2012)
Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award by the Association of Science and Technology Centres
Canadian Government Executive Magazine Leading Management Change Award (2013) | Professional
Awarded for achieving organizational transformation at the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation