Strategic Context

External Risks and Opportunities

Demographic Shifts

Demand for post-secondary education will result from continued population growth and increased migration. In particular, there will be more emphasis on life-long learning and English as a Second Language programs, along with increased need for more choice and flexibility in post-secondary education.

The British Columbia population is growing, reaching over 4.25 million in 2005, an increase of 1.3 per cent from 2004. In 2005, B.C.'s population growth rate surpassed the Canadian national average. The median age of the B.C. population continues to increase, and even though the number of births is expected to slowly increase over the next decade, natural increase (births minus deaths) will continue to decline due to an increased number of deaths.

The youth population that comprises the majority of the post-secondary enrolments is projected to grow until 2011. Within this population group, growth is strongest in the 25 to 29 year age group. The population of school aged children (5 to 17 year olds) is not projected to grow again until 2015.

As a result of the changing demographic situation, the major factor driving population growth will be migration to British Columbia. Between now and 2031, international migration will account for just under two-thirds of the population gain, while inter-provincial migration will account for just over one-third of the population gain.

Labour Market Pressures

The educational attainment of the labour force is a significant factor in maintaining and advancing economic growth in British Columbia. Employment projections for this decade suggest that 70 per cent of new and replacement job openings will require some post-secondary education and training. In 2005, 64 per cent of the labour force had some post-secondary education or training.

In addition, as the population ages, implications for the labour market are that significant portions of the workforce will be eligible for retirement. This may result in labour pressures in many sectors.

To help address labour market pressures, the Ministry has committed to improving access and expanding the post-secondary education system by adding 25,000 new student spaces by 2010. Many of the new spaces are targeted to strategic skill areas such as health care. For example, new medical programs have opened in northern B.C. and on Vancouver Island; another is planned for the Okanagan.

In addition to increasing post-secondary capacity targeted to labour market needs, the Ministry maintains an active interest in and provides support for skilled technical and trades training. Much of this training in British Columbia is delivered through public post-secondary institutions.

Growth in British Columbia's economy continues and is forecast to remain strong for the medium-term. The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will create national and international exposure for B.C. and open new opportunities. The Asia Pacific Initiative, in combination with other provincial projects, has the potential to lead to increased economic, educational and social partnerships with Pacific nations.

Demand for post-secondary education and skilled labour will rise and meeting this demand is necessary to sustain strong provincial economic growth. The post-secondary system will need to continue to respond to the growing needs of the B.C. labour market.

Productivity, Competitiveness and Prosperity

To improve the province's productivity, competitiveness and prosperity, B.C. needs to maintain and expand its focus on research and innovation. At present, B.C.'s productivity rate is fifth in Canada, behind that of Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan according to the BC Progress Board². B.C.'s number of highly qualified personnel per capita ranks sixth in the country. The BC Progress Board, B.C. Competition Council and Business Council of British Columbia have all indicated that increasing B.C.'s productivity is a vital component of improving the economic prosperity of businesses, individuals and society at large. Private and public sector investment in research and innovation is considered an important contributor to increasing productivity. The risk of not moving forward with an aggressive agenda to improve B.C.'s research and innovation capacity is that B.C.'s productivity, competitiveness and prosperity levels may fall further behind other jurisdictions. In response, the Ministry is developing a comprehensive Research and Innovation Framework which will allow B.C. the opportunity to substantially improve its position.

System Strengths and Challenges

Strengths

One of the strengths of the B.C. post-secondary education system is quality. Mechanisms for assessing system quality include institutions reviewing their programs and obtaining student feedback and participation; Ministry funded outcomes surveys of students; the Degree Quality Assessment Board; and the Private Career Training Institutions Agency. The quality of the system can be gauged by the fact that 27,000 public post-secondary international students were attracted to study in the province in 2004/05. As well, a number of the world's top scientists became B.C. Leadership Chairs and also were recruited for specific research areas, such as the B.C. Spinal Cord Research Facility.

A second system strength is the transfer system. The B.C. transfer system enables students to receive credit for courses and programs completed at B.C. institutions (both public and private) when pursuing further education at other B.C. institutions. The majority of B.C. students in the past four years indicated through surveys that they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their transfer experience. The course-to-course transfer database is available at: http://www.bctransferguide.ca

Challenges

The public post-secondary system has a large degree of autonomy from government, allowing institutions independence to serve students, the community and the province. The Ministry influences results largely through funding and policy. Some aspects, such as number of seats provided, are primarily influenced by the Ministry through funding. Other aspects, such as completing programs, are, to a great extent, up to students and the decisions they make.

Key Strategic Issues/Priorities

Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education

Aboriginal people are a growing part of B.C.'s population, and will play an increasingly important role in the labour market. Aboriginal people have been underrepresented in obtaining post-secondary education. This has a significant impact on their success in the labour market and the future prosperity of B.C. The Ministry works to improve access to higher education for Aboriginal learners so they have the opportunity to participate fully in B.C.'s growing economy. The Ministry continues to support the government's efforts to build a New Relationship with Aboriginal people, and works with partner ministries to ensure a coordinated approach to Aboriginal issues. Strategies to address the priority, Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 1, Objective 2.

Adult Literacy/Lifelong Learning

Many adults have not achieved the level of learning that they need to reach their goals in the modern economy. To meet these learners' needs, the Ministry supports literacy and Adult Basic Education programs. Literacy is the first Great Goal in the government's Strategic Plan, and is defined as the ability to understand and use printed information in daily activities at home, at work and in the community to achieve one's goals and to develop one's knowledge and potential. In the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey, one million B.C. adults aged 16-65 did not have the literacy skills considered to be a suitable minimum level for handling the increased demands of the modern economy. The Ministry supports learners in communities around B.C. through the Community Adult Literacy Program. Adult Basic Education programs at institutions provide courses ranging from basic literacy to secondary school completion to help students get better jobs or move on to post-secondary education and training. The Ministry is working closely with other ministries to increase adult literacy and ensure that all British Columbians can meet their lifelong learning goals. Strategies to address the priority, Adult Literacy/Lifelong Learning, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 1, Objective 2.

Private Post-Secondary Education Quality

A strong private post-secondary education sector ensures there will be greater access and choice for B.C. students. The Ministry has established quality assurance processes to ensure the public interest is safeguarded, that students are protected, and that institutions are credible and are offering the highest quality programs. Quality assurance includes providing consumer protection to the students of registered institutions, ensuring that accredited institutions meet standards of quality, requiring degree programs to meet minimum standards, and ensuring private institutions have ministerial consent to offer and advertise degree programs, grant degrees, and use the word "university" in the province. Strategies to address the priority, Private Post-Secondary Education Quality, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 1, Objective 4.

Research and Innovation

British Columbia has a reputation for leading-edge research. By generating new knowledge and training highly qualified graduates, research and technology makes important contributions to innovation in B.C.'s economy. The Ministry continues to support research and technology within the province through its investment in research activities in B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions and other organizations, and through development of various initiatives. Ongoing strategic investment in research and innovation is required to enhance the province's productivity, competitiveness and prosperity. The Ministry leads the Interministry Research and Innovation Committee, which serves to enhance linkages and communication about key research and innovation initiatives among ministries. Strategies to address the priority, Research and Innovation, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 2, Objectives 1 and 2.

Strategic Investment Plan

The Ministry continues with implementation of the Strategic Investment Plan, begun in 2004, to add 25,000 seats to the post-secondary system by 2010. As part of the Plan, the Ministry will be adding 2,500 new graduate student spaces in 2007/08. Challenges associated with adding new seats to the system include expanding facilities, hiring more faculty and staff, and student demand being affected by the strong economy and demographic changes. Increasing graduate spaces brings its own set of challenges, such as meeting the demand for more equipment and lab space. Strategies to address the priority, Strategic Investment Plan, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 1, Objective 1.

Student Financial Assistance

The government is committed to ensuring all British Columbians have the opportunity to access, continue and complete their post-secondary education. The Ministry coordinates with its federal partners to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated financial barriers exist and are preventing access to post-secondary education. The Ministry aids students through the provision of loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries. It also helps students to reduce debt through various other award programs. Students who have high costs associated with their post-secondary education and limited resources are a risk in terms of increasing the number of learners who complete post-secondary education. Collaboration with stakeholders and provincial, territorial and federal working groups to address student financial assistance issues is essential and ongoing. Debt load and income upon graduation will be regularly monitored to determine the efficacy of British Columbia's student financial assistance and repayment programs. Strategies to address the priority, Student Financial Assistance, are outlined in the Performance Plan section under Goal 1, Objective 2.