At pivotal nation-building moments, Canada requires a public college and institute sector that operates with clarity of purpose to respond to the needs of diverse learners, businesses, and workers. This includes building strategic partnerships that maximise collective impact and developing Canadian-made solutions aligned with national priorities.

CICan’s Connections Conference serves as the premier forum to convene, mobilise, and champion Canada’s public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes of Education.

Check the full programme and register here.

At a Glance

April 21, 2026

• 9:00–12:30: Presidents’ Circle (in-person session)
• Official Opening: 1:00 pm
• Keynote address
• Evening reception

April 22, 2026

• Full-day programme
• Keynote address
• CICan’s Awards of Excellence
• Concurrent sessions
• Evening reception

April 23, 2026

• Conference closes at 5:00 pm
• Keynote address
• CICan’s Awards of Excellence
• Concurrent sessions
• Final keynote and closing session

What to Expect

The Connections Conference is focused on translating ideas into concrete action, aligning sector-wide transformation with Canada’s national priorities. Core thematic areas include:

• Skilled trades and workforce development
• Defence readiness strategies
• Co-creation with industry
• Digital innovation and transformation
• Community leadership and impact