Canada's economic competitiveness drops from 8th to 18th due to post-secondary education shortcomings

OTTAWA, Sept. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Inadequate public support for post-secondary education, and research and innovation, has resulted in Canada falling to 15^th in the annual ranking for economic competitiveness. According to the Global Competitiveness Report, released by the World Economic Forum this week, despite its stable economy, Canada is falling behind many peer nations investments' in education.

"Canada is attempting to deliver post-secondary education in the 21^st century with a system designed in the 19^th century," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "This slip in rankings underscores the need for national standards for quality and access in order to remain competitive internationally."

On higher education, Canada ranked 18^th, behind countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore--a dramatic drop from its 8^th place standing in 2010-11. The Report identifies an overall decrease in the quality of education resulting from a lack of investment in staff and faculty development and inadequate support for academic research. It also notes that, in spite of a high number of trained scientists and engineers, a lack of public- and private-sector investment in innovation is hindering Canada's economic competitiveness.

"Post-secondary education in Canada is currently delivered by ten different provincial education systems," said McCormick. "Increased support for post-secondary education, guided by national standards, is essential for Canada to regain its place among the most globally competitive economies."

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organization, uniting more than one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Federation and its predecessor organizations have represented students in Canada since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students

Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson, 613-232-7394