This op-ed was published in The Hill Times on March 9, 2026.

For generations, Canada has been able to rely on a strong and stable food system. That assumption is now being tested.

Climate pressures, rising input costs, global instability and shifting environmental conditions are creating new risks for farmers and food producers. These challenges affect not only what Canadians pay at the grocery store, but also, more fundamentally, they test the resilience of one of the country’s most essential sectors. Meeting these challenges will depend on sustained federal investment in research and innovation that strengthens the agri-food sector. Canadian universities, which have long been central to that effort, are developing solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, improve sustainability and support the people and communities who produce our food.

Food security is not simply about supply. It requires adaptability. And adaptability is rooted in ingenuity, advanced through science, and translated into practical solutions through research.

Across the country, federally supported university researchers are delivering practical, science-based solutions producers can use.

At the University of Saskatchewan, agricultural researchers are developing more resilient crop varieties and digital tools to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions. At the University of Waterloo, researchers are using artificial intelligence to improve drought prediction, giving producers better information to manage risk. At the University of Guelph, the Food from Thought initiative — which received $76-million in federal support through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund — is advancing sustainable food production by improving soil health, strengthening crop performance, and developing more efficient agricultural systems.

Together, these initiatives show how federal research investments translate directly into on-farm productivity and long-term resilience.

Similar work is underway at universities in every region of the country, reflecting the national importance of agricultural research to Canada’s economic strength, food security and long-term competitiveness in a changing global climate. This research strengthens rural economies, stabilizes domestic food supply and reinforces this country’s position in global agri-food markets, a sector that contributes billions of dollars to the GDP and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Research conducted at Canadian universities plays a crucial role in translating scientific discovery into real-world impact. Working in partnership with producers, industry and governments, universities help accelerate commercialization, strengthen Canada’s talent pipeline and ensure producers have access to the innovations they need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

This is especially important as climate change intensifies and global supply chains face increasing disruption. Other leading agricultural economies are increasing their investments in research and innovation to secure productivity gains and climate resilience. Canada cannot afford to fall behind. Our ability to adapt will depend on continued investment in the science, research and talent that underpin agricultural resilience.

Food security is not an abstract concept. It is the result of deliberate policy choices — choices to invest in research, support innovation and ensure producers have the tools they need to succeed. Canadian universities translate federal research investments into practical solutions that strengthen Canada’s food system, rural communities and export capacity.

If Canada is serious about long-term food security, driving economic competitiveness and supporting rural communities, sustained federal investment in university agricultural research must remain a national priority.

At a time of mounting uncertainty, investing in the science that safeguards the resiliency of our food system is not optional. It’s essential to this country’s future.

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Supported financially by Transport Canada, the Flight 302 Legacy Award honours their impact by providing financial scholarships to students who academic and professional pursuits align with the causes close to the victims’ hearts — from environmental studies and humanitarian aid to aviation and education.

In 2025, 42 students from across Canada were selected from a wide range of disciplines, united by the goal: creating a kinder, greener and more equitable world. Through their studies, they carry forward the legacies of Dr. Pius Adebola Adesanmi, Darcy Michael Belanger, Stéphanie Lacroix, Michael Messent, Danielle Moore, the Pauls family and Angela Rehhorn.

Meet some of the 2025 recipients of the Flight 302 Legacy Award.

Legacy in action: 2025 recipients spotlight

Linsey Mouatchô, INRS

“I honour Danielle Moore, who learned about the scourge of plastic pollution at Haida Gwaii; Darcy Michael Belanger, wildlife protection activist; and Angela Rehhorn, on ocean lover dedicated to protecting marine life.

By studying plastic pollution — one of the most critical environmental issues of this century — I intend to carry their passion forward and produce useful, lasting scientific knowledge.”

Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, University of Victoria

“I honour the victims of Flight 302 by carrying forward their legacy of compassion, service and global responsibility. Inspired by Jessica Hyba, Angela Rehhorn, Danielle Moore and Stéphanie Lacroix, I am committed to advancing humanitarian action, environmental conservation and international development through my research and future career.

This award empowers me to transform research into meaningful action and honour the enduring legacy of those who inspired the world through their courage, compassion and commitment to serving others.”

Joseph Bless Darkwa, University of Calgary 

“My scholarship particularly honours the legacies of Dr. Pius Adesanmi, who was committed to challenging colonial structures and uplifting African intellectual contributions, and Micah Messent, who saw Indigenous education and knowledges as essential to protecting the environment.

These values guide my desire to prioritize marginalized and disavowed voices in mainstream curriculum development, accelerating ecological and climate change education among you.”

Joy Karinge, Carleton University 

“Honouring the victims of Flight 302 means continuing the unfinished work of all those who dedicated their lives to bridging cultural divides, whether through lived diasporic realities like the Pauls Family, or through professional contributions in academic and international development like Dr. Pius Adesanmi and Stéphanie Lacroix.

This award enables me to walk the path Dr. Adesanmi illuminated, where African dignity, intellectual rigor and transformative impact converge.”

Farhan Jarif, University of Waterloo

“I honour the victims of Flight 302 by grounding my work in aviation safety and by remembering that every system I study ultimately serves real people with families, futures and trust in the engineers behind the aircraft they board.

My goal is to help ensure that lessons from Flight 302 translate into safe skies, stronger standards and engineering decisions that always put human life first.”

More than a scholarship

For recipients across disciplines and institutions, the Flight 302 Legacy Award is more than financial support — it is an affirmation of their commitments and aspirations. It provides the space and time to focus deeply on their studies, pursue fieldwork and engage meaningfully in the communities they belong and serve.

The award enables recipients to carry out relevant research in their fields of study. It also enables undergraduates to expand their leadership and volunteer initiatives. It allows future professionals to translate learning into professional tools, advocacy and service.

Just as importantly, recipients describe the award as an affirmation of purpose: a reminder that their education is tied to a broader legacy of environmental stewardship, humanitarian action and social justice.

In their own ways, each honours the legacy of the Flight 302 victims, expressed through their rigorous scholarship, community engagement and tangible impact.

Learn about more of the 2025 Flight 302 Legacy Award recipients.

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The initiative marks a significant step in implementing Minister Anand and Minister Jaishankar’s fall joint statement, Renewing Momentum Towards a Stronger Partnership, and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening long-term economic and innovation ties between Canada and India.

“Canada and India are natural partners in education, innovation and research, says Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Canada welcomes the new Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy that will create opportunities for students and researchers, drive economic growth, and reinforce the strong people-to-people ties that connect our two countries.”

“This is a new chapter in a very important relationship, and it demands a new partnership on higher education and research, which is vital to the future of both our countries,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “We are building the foundations of a long-term partnership that will create good jobs, better incomes and communities that can thrive in a highly competitive global economy.”

Universities Canada will play a leadership role in developing the new strategy, working closely with counterparts in India to consult with partners from industry, universities and government. They aim to present recommendations to government within six months, in advance of the next G20 meeting. Realizing the full potential of this strategy will require sustained collaboration between governments and institutions, supported by targeted public investment to scale research partnerships, expand student mobility and strengthen institutional capacity in both countries.

The work is being undertaken with the support of the Government of Canada, reflecting the recognition that education and research partnerships are central to long-term competitiveness and trade diversification.

“Prime Minister Carney and Minister Anand have demonstrated strong leadership in advancing this renewed Canada–India partnership,” Miller said. “This initiative reflects a clear understanding that sustained institutional collaboration strengthens both economies.”

Canada’s higher education sector is a major economic driver and a cornerstone of national innovation capacity. International education contributes $30.9 billion to Canada’s GDP annually, supports more than 361,000 jobs and generates $7.4 billion in tax revenue. Canadian universities conduct approximately $19 billion in research and development each year, representing 35 per cent of all research activity in the country.

By strengthening collaboration in priority sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, health innovation and advanced manufacturing, Canada and India are building durable institutional ties that support research commercialization, industry engagement and workforce development in both countries.

The initiative aligns with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific engagement and builds on the recent Canadian university presidents’ mission to India, the largest academic delegation Canada has ever sent to the country, which laid the groundwork for deeper institutional collaboration. It also complements the Government of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy by reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a trusted partner in global research collaboration and advanced skills development.

Today’s event also highlighted new institutional partnerships between Canadian universities and Indian counterparts, as well as the advancement of Canada–India Skills Training Centres of Excellence through collaboration between Colleges and Institutes Canada and India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Together, these efforts signal a shift toward sustained, structured collaboration — strengthening trade, trust and talent connections between Canada and India for the long term.

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Our 97 members are crucial to this work providing education and research opportunities to over 1.4 million learners to build a highly skilled diverse and adaptable workforce across all regions and sectors, including those identified by the alliances.

This announcement builds on the government’s recent work to establish sectoral advisory councils. The first — focused on advanced manufacturing — was announced earlier this month. The five new alliances will focus on housing and construction; transportation and supply chains; energy and electricity; mining and minerals; and the care economy.

We look forward to continuing to work with all partners and government to advance the mandate of these alliances and strengthen the resilience of Canada’s economy and workforce.

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Canada’s universities are foundational to that effort; advancing cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and bio-health, while preparing the highly skilled workforce that underpins sovereign capability.

As the strategy moves into implementation, sustained investment, clear and efficient research security frameworks, and strong collaboration among government, industry and academia will be critical to ensuring Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem remains globally competitive and aligned with our national interests.

Universities Canada looks forward to working closely with federal partners to ensure universities are meaningfully integrated into new research coordination structures, procurement and commercialization reforms, and joint education investments. We will continue to advocate for predictable funding, streamlined security processes and enabling policies that allow institutions to fully contribute to Canada’s defence and innovation objectives.

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Polling from Universities Canada and Abacus Data shows public trust in Canadian universities is rising at a moment of growing economic uncertainty and global competition. Nearly two-thirds, 61 percent, say they trust universities to act in the public interest.

“Our research shows Canadians are looking for reassurance right now — from government, public institutions and the organizations they trust,” said David Coletto, Founder and CEO of Abacus Data. “Universities are well positioned to provide that reassurance by showing how strong public institutions can help steady uncertainty and contribute to a more optimistic future.”

That confidence reflects the vital role universities play in Canadian communities. More than three-quarters of Canadians say universities are anchors of their local economy that create jobs and help to grow businesses. In addition, nearly four in five Canadians say universities help prepare Canada’s workforce and strengthen systems such as health care and technology that underpin the country’s competitiveness.

At the same time, the research exposes an important nuance: Universities’ contributions are so fundamental to our communities and economy, they can sometimes be overlooked or taken for granted. For some Canadians, particularly those who did not attend university themselves, that can make the connection between campus activity and daily life less immediately apparent — even as they recognize universities’ broader value.

“Universities are woven into daily life in ways people don’t always notice,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “They train the nurses who staff local hospitals, the teachers in neighbourhood schools and the graduates who support small businesses. They drive research that strengthens health care, agriculture and emergency response. They turn out engaged, informed citizens. That work happens behind the scenes, but its results show up in stronger communities, and a stronger Canada.”

The scale of universities’ contribution underscores why those connections matter. Canadian universities contribute $45.1 billion to the national economy and support 410,000 jobs annually. More than three-quarters of Canadians — 77 percent —support increased government investment in universities, reflecting broad agreement that these institutions play a central role in Canada’s future.

The findings arrive at a moment when the federal government is focused on strengthening Canada’s economic foundations and public institutions. In that context, universities’ role as nation-building infrastructure — educating workers, supporting research and sustaining communities — has taken on renewed relevance.

Universities Canada says it will continue working with its 97 members to more consistently connect public investment to the real-world outcomes that flow from campuses into communities across the country.

“Canadians know that universities matter,” said Miller. “Our responsibility is to make the link between public investment and real-world outcomes clearer — from stronger communities to better services and opportunity across the country.”

To support this effort, Universities Canada is launching a pilot communications campaign that will spotlight practical, data-driven stories demonstrating how university education supports communities, strengthens services and drives economic growth.

To learn more, share your story or explore how universities are making a difference across Canada, visit PossibleWithU.ca.

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Building on strengthened bilateral ties, increased diplomatic engagement, and a shared commitment to deepening knowledge exchange, the mission will advance research collaboration and expand partnerships with industry. The mission builds on the $1.7-billion research and talent strategy recently announced in Canada’s federal budget and advances the New Roadmap for Canada–India relations announced in October 2025, reflecting growing momentum toward a renewed partnership between the two countries. 

Over five days, a diverse delegation of 21 university presidents from across Canada will meet with leaders from India’s higher education sector, government and industry in Goa, New Delhi and Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City) to explore opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange and sustainable models of transnational education. 

“Canada and India have a long history of collaboration in the education sector,” said His Excellency Christopher Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of India. “The visit by Canadian universities presidents is a big step in our renewed collaboration on research and education initiatives, as guided by the New Roadmap for Canada–India relations.” 

The mission underscores the importance both countries place on higher education as a foundation for deeper collaboration and long-term partnership. 

“Education is a cornerstone of the India–Canada partnership, strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing collaboration in research, innovation, and sustainable development,” said His Excellency Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada. “The visit of Canadian University Presidents marks an important step in deepening academic cooperation and advancing a forward-looking agenda for enhanced India–Canada collaboration.” 

Against this backdrop of renewed bilateral engagement, Universities Canada highlighted how universities translate shared priorities into meaningful collaboration. 

“Universities are essential to building the global partnerships that create economic growth and opportunity,” said Gabriel Miller, president and CEO of Universities Canada. “As Canada and India renew their vitally important relationship, this mission reflects and advances our commitment to create lasting, shared success for both of our countries.” 

Supported by a contribution from CanExport Associations, the University Presidents’ mission to India advances the collective work of government, universities and partners to strengthen international collaboration in ways that benefit communities and economies in both countries.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education experts is partnering with Universities Canada in organising key elements of this mission, including the delegation’s participation in the QS India Summit in Goa.

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As an extension of these commitments, UQAC has announced it will host the annual National Building Reconciliation Forum on June 10–12, 2026, with the support of Universities Canada.

“Congratulations to the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi on being selected as the host for the 2026 National Building Reconciliation Forum,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “This gathering will bring people together to reflect, learn and advance the commitments that guide reconciliation and Indigenous education across the country. We’re honoured to support UQAC as the Forum returns to Quebec, and we look forward to joining partners and communities in Chicoutimi next June.”

Serving as a platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action, the 2026 Forum is a unique occasion to bring together the university community, partners, Indigenous communities and society as a whole to explore key issues for an inclusive, respectful and sustainable future.

“Hosting this event and providing a space for reflection and dialogue is an integral facet of UQAC’s engagement and commemoration efforts. Through this initiative, we strive to deepen our understanding of Indigenous realities, encourage intercultural dialogue and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation. The 10th anniversary of the Forum is a momentous opportunity to collectively reaffirm our commitment toward a just and united future.” (Ghislain Samson, UQAC President)

Programming details will follow in the coming months.

For more information:

Karin Gagnon
Communications and public relations department
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
418 480-8674 • karine1_gagnon@uqac.ca

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This op-ed was published in The Hill Times on November 19, 2025.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget sets an ambitious course to build Canada strong — devoting roughly 42 per cent of new spending to sovereignty and security and charting a path to invest five per cent of GDP in defence by 2035. This marks the largest commitment to national security in a generation.   

Canada’s challenge is turning that spending into modern military strength. Ships, satellites and cyber defence systems won’t keep us safe without the talent to develop, run and maintain the technology. Our ability to defend the country now depends as much on scientists, engineers and innovators as on soldiers and hardware.  

Delay is no longer an option. The assumptions that once anchored our safety have evolved. Wars in Europe and the Middle East, rivalries in the Arctic and the Pacific, loss of trust in our largest trading partner and a global race for control of advanced technologies have ended the long-held belief that geography and our relationship with the United States are sufficient to protect us.   

Universities are central to strengthening Canada’s defence capability, from developing vaccines that protect troops and civilians during global outbreaks, to advancing clean-energy technologies that reduce military supply-chain risk, to supporting Arctic communities that anchor our sovereignty in the North. Engineers, analysts and cybersecurity specialists are as vital to national security as pilots or infantry.  

In the twenty-first century, defence and sovereignty are defined as much by our capacity to withstand global shocks as by the strength of our military. Protecting Canadians means ensuring the security of our energy systems, health infrastructure and northern communities — all of which are now front lines in national defence.  

Yet, the Canadian Armed Forces face a shortfall of more than 14,000 personnel, and the deepest gaps are in the roles that define power today, including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum security and cyber operations.  

Addressing those gaps will require a national focus on talent. That is where Canada’s universities come in. They train the scientists, engineers and cybersecurity specialists who are advancing dual-use technologies such as AI, quantum and advanced materials, fields that serve both security and economic well-being. With the right support, connecting academia and industry can accelerate practical defence solutions, create quality employment opportunities, and expand a more effective skills pipeline.   

Canadian universities are already leading this work. From quantum breakthroughs at the Université de Sherbrooke, Simon Fraser University and Toronto Metropolitan University to nanotechnology advances at the University of Alberta, researchers nationwide are developing the talent and technology that modern defence demands.   

To build on that momentum, universities need stable funding and stronger coordination with industry and government. The creation of BOREALIS is a chance to do both — linking labs, firms and public agencies to move discoveries from research benches to real-world deployment. With the right support, it can expand economic opportunity, create skilled jobs and give Canada a coherent strategy for building its own defence capacity. Strengthening Canada’s defence capacity means building pathways to high-skilled, high-purpose work that keeps talent — and security — at home.  

The country’s drive to increase our defensive capacity can also provide good-paying, purpose-driven jobs for Canadians. Maintaining our technological edge in areas like cybersecurity, quantum and AI, can lead to meaningful work that strengthens the nation. Universities are ready to partner to train the next generation with the skills needed to advance new technologies to better protect our sovereignty.   

Our allies already understand that national security begins in labs and classrooms. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia pour resources into university and industry research aligned with defence priorities. Canada has the foundations through Defence Research and Development Canada and academic partnerships, but to stay competitive and secure, we must scale up and connect these efforts through the government’s forthcoming defence industrial strategy.  

The government’s decision to boost defence spending is a vital step toward strengthening Canada’s security. But lasting capability requires the people, training and innovation that turn investment into readiness. Canada’s sovereignty now rests on three commitments: the money we invest, the people who serve, and the innovation we develop. Universities are where those three meet — and where investment, ingenuity and purpose become our strength.  

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Two types of funded projects

Eight training projects focused on employability: The development and delivery of employability and professional integration training for BCDI 2030 Scholars – individuals who receive scholarships to study in Canada – as well as the educational institutions to which they are affiliated.

Five institutional partnership projects: Collaborations between Canadian colleges and universities and higher education institutions, including advanced technical training, in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Tunisia. These projects are tailored to meet the strategic priorities put forward by the partner countries.

Pan-Canadian collaboration

• Four projects led by Canadian universities
• Nine projects led by Canadian colleges
• Eleven collaborative consortia between Canadian post-secondary institutions, three of which are college/university consortia. 

Additional institutional partnership projects involving 22 other partner countries are planned. BCDI 2030 will be launching requests for proposals among Canadian colleges and universities in the next few weeks and months.

By 2030 the initiatives under BCDI 2030’s Stream of will train more than 6,400 teachers, administrators, and professional and technical staff from partner organizations. Each project aims to strengthen individual and institutional capacities, foster innovation and consolidate local expertise.

About BCDI 2030

BCDI 2030 supports Canadian universities and colleges in building meaningful, lasting partnerships with higher education institutions, ministries and civil society organizations in eligible countries. The training programs are developed in close collaboration with local partners to address national labour market needs and advance sustainable development.

BCDI 2030 is an eight-year, $80 million initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and jointly administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, in partnership with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the Association of African Universities (AAU). The program leverages higher education to drive social and economic development in 26 eligible countries.

Information about these new projects will be made available on the BCDI 2030 website in the coming weeks. For details about the BCDI 2030 Stream 1 projects already in operation please visit www.bcdi2030.ca/projects.

The 13 new projects will be delivered by the following institutions:

Employability training projects

For educational institutions partnering with scholarship programs in Canada:

For BCDI 2030 scholars:

Institutional partnerships projects

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