Universities Canada

Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada) is the national organization representing higher education institutions across Canada. Founded in 1911 and renamed in 2015, it serves as a collective voice for Canadian universities, advocating for policies that strengthen post-secondary education and research.

Mission and Role in Higher Education

Universities Canada plays a central role in shaping Canada's higher education landscape. Its primary mission is to promote excellence in teaching, research and innovation while fostering collaboration among member institutions. The organization works with governments, industry partners and international stakeholders to ensure Canadian universities remain competitive globally.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

While not an accrediting body itself, Universities Canada maintains strict membership standards that serve as a de facto quality benchmark. Member institutions must demonstrate strong governance, academic rigor and commitment to research excellence. This framework helps maintain Canada's reputation for high-quality post-secondary education.

Advocacy and Policy Development

Universities Canada actively engages in policy development at federal and provincial levels. The organization advocates for increased research funding, student support programs and international education initiatives. Its policy work addresses critical issues like Indigenous education, sustainability and digital transformation in higher education.

Research and Innovation Leadership

The organization plays a vital role in advancing Canada's research ecosystem. Universities Canada facilitates partnerships between academia, government and industry to drive innovation across key sectors. It also promotes Canada's research strengths internationally, helping member institutions build global collaborations.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Universities Canada champions equitable access to higher education through targeted initiatives. The organization works to remove barriers for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, low-income students and first-generation learners. Its programs support institutional efforts to create more inclusive campuses.

International Education and Global Engagement

As Canada's higher education ambassador, Universities Canada promotes international student mobility and global partnerships. The organization helps member institutions attract international talent while facilitating study abroad opportunities for Canadian students. It also represents Canadian universities in global education forums.

Conclusion

Universities Canada serves as the backbone of Canada's higher education system, driving quality, innovation and accessibility. Through its advocacy, research support and commitment to inclusion, the organization ensures Canadian universities remain at the forefront of global education. Its work continues to shape a vibrant and sustainable future for post-secondary education in Canada.

Organization Name

Universities Canada
Universités Canada

Acronym

UC

Year of Establishment

1911

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1710-350 Albert Street
Ottawa
K1R 1B1 Ontario Canada

Phone

+1 (613) 563 1236

Fax

+1 (613) 563 9745

List of Canadian universities that are members of Universités Canada/Universities Canada:

Alberta

• Athabasca University
• Concordia University of Edmonton
• King's University (The)
• MacEwan University
• Mount Royal University
• St. Mary's University
• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge

British Columbia

• Capilano University
• Emily Carr University of Art + Design
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Royal Roads University
• Simon Fraser University
• Thompson Rivers University
• Trinity Western University
• University of British Columbia (The)
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of the Fraser Valley
• University of Victoria
• Vancouver Island University

Manitoba

• Brandon University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• St. Paul's College
• Université de Saint-Boniface
• University of Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg (The)

New Brunswick

• Mount Allison University
• St. Thomas University
• Université de Moncton
• University of New Brunswick

Newfoundland & Labrador

• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

• Acadia University
• Cape Breton University
• Dalhousie University
• Mount Saint Vincent University
• NSCAD University
• Saint Mary's University
• St. Francis Xavier University
• Université Sainte-Anne
• University of King's College

Ontario

• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Huron University College
• King's University College at Western University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• Ontario Tech University
• Queen's University
• Redeemer University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• St. Jerome's University
• Toronto Metropolitan University
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ottawa
• University of St. Michael's College
• University of Sudbury
• University of Toronto
• University of Trinity College
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Victoria University
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Prince Edward Island

• University of Prince Edward Island

Québec

• Bishop's University
• Concordia University
• École de technologie supérieure
• École nationale d'administration publique
• HEC Montréal
• Institut national de la recherche scientifique
• McGill University
• Polytechnique Montréal
• Université de Montréal
• Université de Sherbrooke
• Université du Québec
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)
• Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)
• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
• Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
• Université du Québec en Outaouais
• Université Laval
• Université TÉLUQ

Saskatchewan

• Campion College
• First Nations University of Canada
• Luther College
• St. Thomas More College
• University of Regina
• University of Saskatchewan

Yukon

• Yukon University

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Universities Canada's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Universities Canada's X page

LinkedIn

Universities Canada's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Universities Canada's YouTube channel

Instagram

Universities Canada's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Universities Canada's Wikipedia article

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