Education

Education in Canada

Education is one of the main ingredients to quality of life, as well as social and economic development. Education is the sine qua non condition for innovation and advancement in all fields of endeavour.

Canadians understand that learning contributes to the development of people, allowing them to plan their future and participate fully as citizens. They are aware that education is directly related to the values of Canadian society – freedom, compassion, acceptance and respect.

Among countries that belong to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is the country with the highest percentage of its population having completed post-secondary education. Forty-one percent of Canadians aged 25 to 64 have completed either college or university. Although at the forefront in the provision of publicly funded education, Canada is not sheltered from the global challenges of literacy and the rapidly changing requirements of a knowledge-based economy.

Education in Canada is primarily the responsibility of provinces and territories, including formal education from elementary schools to universities. This is complemented by a large number of public and private organizations that provide educational services and support the many facets of learning.

Canadians see the benefits of a strong and accessible education system. They spend seven percent of their gross domestic product to maintain and foster that system.