Ontario and British Columbia have recently implemented new measures to enhance the integrity of post-secondary education for international students. These measures aim to crack down on recruiters who take advantage of international students and make false claims of employment and citizenship. The Ontario government, in collaboration with sector partners and the federal government, will explore ways to address these issues.

Furthermore, both provinces are taking steps to ensure that academic programs at their post-secondary institutions meet the needs of their respective labor markets. Ontario will review programs with high numbers of international students to ensure their quality, aligning with local workforce demands. Similarly, British Columbia will pause approvals for new Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) for the next two years to maintain the quality of education for international students.

Ontario and British Columbia are also placing emphasis on improving the quality of private programs and institutions. Ontario is implementing a moratorium on new public college-private partnerships and strengthening oversight mechanisms. Meanwhile, British Columbia will conduct reviews of private degree programs and enforce higher standards for assessment criteria and student supports.

Another significant development pertains to housing for international students. Ontario will now require all colleges and universities to guarantee housing options for incoming international students. This initiative aligns with the federal government’s announcement of providing low-cost loans for student housing, aiming to drive down housing costs for students.

These measures are crucial for ensuring that international students have access to high-quality education and adequate support during their time in Canada. The efforts to enhance the integrity of post-secondary education will contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive program for international students.