Thank you, Madam Chair.
Hello, my name is Anna Boyden. I'm the assistant deputy minister responsible for the advanced education learner supports division at Ontario's Ministry of Colleges and Universities. I'm here today as a representative of the ministry.
I'd like to begin by thanking the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration for the invitation to appear today to address this important matter.
Students and academics from around the world are attracted to the high-quality education offered by Ontario's post-secondary institutions and by our reputation as a multicultural, welcoming and supportive destination for post-secondary education studies. That's why there were over 200,000 international students enrolled at publicly assisted colleges and universities in Ontario just last year.
International students studying in Ontario are here as a result of considerable coordination between all levels of government, individual post-secondary institutions and local communities, with each playing a part in the journey that brings students from around the globe to study in Ontario. From the student permit provided by the federal government to the health and wellness supports from a student's post-secondary institution, the success of any given international learner is thanks to many partners coming together to prepare and support a student.
Today I'd like to take this opportunity to speak on the part of the equation that the Ministry of Colleges and Universities plays among the many partners. International post-secondary education is a critical part of building up Ontario's skilled workforce. It plays an important role in fostering the skills and future prosperity of the province. It ensures that we have a pipeline of talent ready to fill the gaps in the job market of Ontario.
International students enrich the academic, social and cultural life of our post-secondary institutions and communities across the province. They are part of why Ontario is such a vibrant and globally competitive destination.
Preliminary 2022-23 enrolment figures tell us that we're continuing to see an increase in international students enrolling in Ontario's publicly assisted colleges and universities. This is a trend we've been noticing for the past decade. That's an increase in individual learners, each with a dream of receiving a world-class education, which Ontario is well known for. That's why we continue to work with all of our post-secondary education institutions, as well as our federal and municipal partners, to create the conditions that make it easier for everyone to access high-quality post-secondary education.
All levels of government, in collaboration with Ontario's post-secondary institutions, have a part to play in the future of our international students. For Ontario, we're responsible for overseeing and supporting post-secondary institutions, and setting regulations and standards to ensure our sector is delivering excellent post-secondary education to all students, including international students.
However, it's important to note that Ontario's post-secondary institutions are separate legal entities. That means that as long as they continue to meet the requirements set by the ministry under the applicable policies and legislation, they have the authority to determine their own policies and practices. This includes partnership with education agencies and the provision of supports to their international students.
However, the ministry has heard about the challenges that many international students have faced in Ontario recently. Improving their experience while in the province is an important priority for the ministry.
When international students come to Ontario to receive a world-class education, they deserve to be free from predatory treatment from bad actors. Last December, Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities wrote to Minister Fraser about the need for the federal government to protect the prospective international student and reduce visa backlog wait times. The backlog on visa wait times has led to talented students choosing other countries to pursue their education and leaves those wanting to get to Ontario vulnerable to predatory marketing and recruiters from their home countries.
Ontario is doing its part through the credible work and new standards set by Colleges Ontario. This new standard will ensure that the marketing of programs to international students are accurate and transparent. It will require international agents working for Ontario Colleges to complete a sector-endorsed agent training program. It will ensure that information on services, supports and facilities is provided to students before they arrive in Ontario and once they're in the province. Lastly, it will provide targeted assistance to help international students adjust to a new environment.
All levels of government, in collaboration with Ontario's post-secondary education institutions, have a part to play in the future of our international students. Together, we can work together to ensure that Ontario continues to be the best place to further an education.
The Government of Ontario is proud to play its part in meeting this collective goal. We strive to ensure that from the moment an international student sets foot on campus to the day they graduate, the quality of education they are here to receive is second to none and ultimately helps them to prepare for success in the workforce.
Thank you. I'm happy to take your questions.