Polytechnics call for fairness in post-secondary funding

Polytechnics Canada is calling on the federal government to commit $150-million annually to a fund for applied research projects in the upcoming Budget. The alliance of seven large post-secondary institutions says the new fund is essential to "fairly support the three post-secondary streams – polytechnics, colleges and universities". It is also urging for the development and design of a national credentials framework and accreditation system to facilitate the national transferability of credits and encourage student mobility. The organization says the current post-secondary funding system leave polytechnics chronically underfunded. Polytechnical institutions can apply to the new College and Community Innovation program and all but one are members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (see page 5)….