Canadian post-secondary education: Student diversity and access over the past 50 years
Updated August 31, 2019
As Canada’s population demographics continue to change (Statistics Canada, 2016), it is worthwhile to investigate whether its workforce needs for educated and highly skilled workers are currently being met. With an aging population, there are projected needs to supply qualified and experienced workers in such fields as health care, computer science, and skilled trades (Moat, Waddell & Lavis, 2016; Dubé, 2016; Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Resource Center, 2019). Certain populations are projected to grow, including Indigenous youth as one of the fastest growing segments of the population in Canada (Kirkup, 2017). Post-secondary education (PSE) is often considered a pathway to more stable and higher paying employment, as well as a worthwhile investment of time and finances because those who complete PSE often enjoy a better quality of life and positive health outcomes (Canadian Council on Learning, 2009). Considering this, what do Canadian PSE participation rates indicate about the current and future health of Canadians?
Looking back at the past 50 years, there have been efforts within Canada to increase access to PSE. Specifically, following the Second World War, with the return of veterans from service and subsequent population boom, support for…
