The Role of Universities in the Economic Development of Atlantic Canada: A Focus on Immigration
ACOA, 2006
This report has been prepared as a contribution to the ongoing efforts of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to develop and implement strategies targeted at helping the region deal with its demographic challenges and its growing need for qualified workers.
The literature review concluded that universities play a key role in Atlantic Canada’s economic development. Universities functions include: knowledge-building; R&D transfer ; provision of physical infrastructure; development of strategic partnerships; and the creation of potential sources of immigration through international students.
The results of the pilot survey demonstrated that students had fairly positive study experiences in Atlantic Canada and up to two thirds of them were interested in becoming permanent residents (PR) in Atlantic Canada. Academic progress was evaluated as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ and few students reported any difficulties. The majority of students planned to remain in the region after graduation and wanted to apply for PR status in Canada.
While the students were generally satisfied with their Atlantic Canadian experiences, there were a few concerns that emerged in the findings. The majority of students ‘did not believe’ or were ‘unsure’ if an Atlantic Canadian education was good value for money and many students would ‘not’ or were ‘unsure’ if they would recommend Atlantic Canada as a place of study to friends and family. In addition, the lengthy immigration process and inability to find work had significant influence over students’ decisions not to apply for PR in Canada. These issues have been addressed in the recommendations and require further research.
To obtain a copy of this report, please contact ACOA's library at (506) 851-2144 or 1-800-561-7862 or by email: ris-sri@acoa-apeca.gc.ca