CICan Call for Proposals 2026

Building a Strong and Secure Canada

At pivotal nation-building moments like these, Canada needs a public college and institute sector that comes together with purpose to meet the needs of diverse learners, businesses and workers, to build partnerships that maximize our collective impact, and develop Canadian-made solutions. 

The path to Canada's future runs right through public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics and Indigenous Institutes of Education in every corner of the country.

CICan’s Connections Conference is where we work together to turn ideas into action that align sector transformation with national priorities - driving the future of postsecondary education in the direction our country and communities need us to go.

What to Expect

This year, we’re prioritizing dynamic approaches that encourage collaboration, creativity, and actionable outcomes to ensure our sector remains agile, impactful, future-focused and equipped to serve.

• Showcase Indigenous-led approaches and integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being. 

• Think critically and co-create strategies that build a shared understanding of the risks and opportunities facing the sector;

• Ideate, co-develop, and scale new solutions, frameworks, or models to solve real-world challenges;

• Demonstrate impact and strengthen advocacy through direct focused dialogue with decision-makers;

• Share best practices and tools in structured small-group settings and enable action that turns ideas into tangible initiatives, and more.

The Connections Conference is CICan’s flagship national forum for convening Canada’s public college, institute, CEGEPs, polytechnics and Indigenous Institutes of Education. Held biennially, alternating with CICan’s Leaders Summit, the Conference brings together sector leaders, educators and students, partners, thinkers, and doers to ask the big questions, drive action, and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Canada - and the world.

Learn more about CICan.