Marc Sanderson

Advocate for place-based solutions to Canada’s biggest challenges, which support the region-specific mandates of public colleges and ensure local training needs are considered in policy development. Increase support to developing countries and other partner countries to build technical and vocational training capacity, strengthen skills development and education systems, and enhance Canada’s global education brand. Advocate for support for college-led research as a core component of federal research and innovation funding and policy. Discuss how colleges can support immigration programs, such as foreign credential recognition or international students, to meet Canada’s labour market needs, and share with officials impacts of policy changes on the college sector. Share with officials how colleges can support Canada’s training and workforce development needs to meet Canada’s biggest challenges. Share with officials the role of colleges and institutes in delivering high quality education for Canadians, and ensuring access to education for Canadians. Advance reconciliation through partnerships with Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Promote the role and expertise of colleges in deepening Canada’s relationships with other countries. Promote the value of educational fair dealing in supporting colleges and institutes in their mandate to provide advanced skills and to enable them to better respond to the skills shortage. Increase investments and support to address colleges’ infrastructure needs to increase Canada’s training space and access in key high-demand fields that align with federal priority areas. Enable post-secondary institutions to obtain grants and loans to develop student housing projects, with additional supports for housing that supports students from vulnerable populations. Ensure Canada’s colleges and institutes have the necessary federal support to provide high-quality training for future healthcare professionals. Ensure the specific needs of institutions, including French institutions and those in minority linguistic communities, are taken into account when federal policies and programs are designed and delivered.

The University of Lethbridge will seek support for campus infrastructure to support research, innovation and teaching. The University of Lethbridge will lobby the Federal government to ensure a focus on research and learning is reflected in the budgeting process with respect to increased funding for student scholarships, increased funding (direct and indirect) for research at universities, and increased funding for deferred maintenance for university buildings. The University of Lethbridge will advocate for program development throughout the Federal government that is inclusive of medium-sized, comprehensive universities in Canada. The University is interested in working with the Government of Canada to help build housing capacity at and near its campuses. The University is interested in working with the Government of Canada to ensure policies and programs enable high-quality international students are able to study at the University of Lethbridge. The University is interested in working with the federal government to create synergies between federal research initiatives and our own. The U of L will meet with various government officials (elected and non-elected) to obtain a better understanding of Federal research priorities in the areas of agriculture, environment, health and immigration.

Meeting with elected officials and designated public office holders to discuss the ongoing priorities of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations - including financial contributions from departments to be determined - such as, languages, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Seeking financial support for a major infrastructures project at this City level.

Seeking increased Federal funding for the Moose Hide Campaign to address the growing demand for its work.

Seeking support for renewal of Urban Program for Indigenous People;

Meeting with public office holders to discuss the need for new community wellness programs and transitional services that provide targeted support to urban Indigenous community members, specifically programs that support youth, women, and urban Indigenous vulnerable populations. Speaking with elected officials and other designated public office holders regarding ongoing efforts to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and the 1965 Agreement between Canada and Ontario with respect to Child and Family Services. Meeting with elected officials and other designated public office holders with respect for the increased funding needs for Indigenous child welfare and preventative services for NCFST's clients, which include First Nations individuals living off-reserve and in urban settings.