About this Event
Last January, the federal government announced drastic changes to the International Student Program, including an intake cap and a 35% cut in study permits for fall 2024. The decision was in large part driven by the rapid increase in international students, from 300,000 in 2013 to over one million by 2023, and concerns about exploitation and pressure on services.
Now, a year on, these reforms have significantly impacted Canadian colleges and universities, having created uncertainty for current students, a drop in new applications, and revenue losses leading to some program closures. The changes have also caused frustration and impacted Canada’s international reputation. So, where to from here? The CSA Public Policy Centre and the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University recently released a new report that calls for a renewed vision and policy framework for international postsecondary education in Canada.
Join our panelists Ratna Omidvar, Mehnaz Lamia, and Steve Orsini as they debate what is needed for a sustainable future, including reassessing the current vision, goals and policy frameworks for international education in Canada. The panel discussion will be followed by an in-person networking reception, with food and beverage service.
Admission is $10.00 CAD (all proceeds donated to charity)
Speaker Bios
The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont. - Retired Senator for Ontario, Immigration Public Policy Fellow, TMU
Ratna Omidvar is a global leader on migration, diversity, and inclusion. Appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016, she has chaired key Senate committees and co-founded Lifeline Syria and Lifeline Afghanistan. A Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, Ratna has received numerous awards, including the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (2018) and the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award (2019).
Mehnaz Lamia - Student at OCAD University
Mehnaz Lamia (Mia) is a third-year Creative Writing student from Bangladesh and the host of OCAD U Live’s “Morning with Mia” and “Max and Mia Show”. With a strong passion for journalism and community building, she delivers campus news, conducts interviews with students and faculty, and fosters engagement among OCAD U’s diverse, international community.
Steve Orsini - President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities
Steve Orsini is the President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, with over 30 years of leadership experience in government and healthcare. He previously served as Ontario’s Secretary of the Cabinet and Deputy Minister of Finance. A Distinguished Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Steve continues to advance public policy and education.
Noah Morris (Moderator) - Principal, NJM Strategies
Noah Morris is recently retired from a 34-year career as an executive (executive director, assistant deputy minister) in the Ontario Government, and is now Principal at NJM Strategies. Noah’s career in the Public Service was evenly divided by leadership positions in post-secondary education and finance.
Accessibility
Please note that the Terrace Room at the Gardiner Museum is an accessible space. When registering, please let us know about any accommodation you may require or questions you have regarding accessibility. You can email us at [email protected]
About Policy Talks
Policy Talks is an event series for public policy professionals that creates space for in-person networking and exchange of timely policy ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. The series is produced by CSA Public Policy Centre, in collaboration with the Dais, Springboard Policy, and McMaster.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, Canada
CAD 10.00
