Policies, Laws, and Regulations: Governing Post-Secondary Education and Skills in Canada

Canada has one of the most highly educated populations in the world. Over half of the Canadian population has completed tertiary-level education—a higher proportion than any other OECD country. To remain innovative and competitive, however, Canada’s post-secondary education (PSE) system and skills production mechanisms must be designed and reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they are achieving optimal outcomes. The governance structures of the PSE system—the policies, laws, and regulations (PLRs)—were established to enable the system to achieve its objectives. This report explores the PLRs that affect, define, and govern Canada’s skills and post-secondary educational systems and guide their operations. Using an aspirational approach, we envision an optimal PLR system (or set of systems) for PSE and the core characteristics of that system. Finally, we identify areas for action for improving PLRs to support skills and PSE system objectives and address current and emerging challenges.