Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Passes Policy Resolution to Support International Students Educational Experience in Canada

As Fredericton stands as the Knowledge Capital of Atlantic Canada, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged with support for all post-secondary students and the evolving regulations concerning international students.
 
At the 2024 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce presented its original policy resolution at the National Policy Resolution Conference. The resolution entitled “Experiential Learning as Educational and Cost of Living Supports for International Students” was passed on October 18^th. It presents that the “incorporation of experiential learning applied in addition to an international student’s 24 working hours can address the primary education needs, while simultaneously providing paid hours to sustain themselves and further career development.”
 
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has advocated extensively concerning the positive impact of international students within our community. When Minister Marc Miller announced that international students will be limited to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week starting in September 2024, he stated that the cap will ensure international students can focus on their studies, and guard against the attraction of applicants whose primary intent was to work instead of those focused on education. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce agrees that Canada should, and in most cases has, offered a high-quality education, and that education should be the focus of students. Economic pressures, however, also pull focus away from education including issues of affordability for all students, especially international students. Recent announcements have made clear that all stakeholders of post-secondary education in our country must work together to strengthen and elevate supports offered to students.
 
Our post-secondary institutions have developed sustainable programs of supports for all students, both domestic and international, such as work placement for successful education and career development. The incorporation of experiential learning applied in addition to an international student’s 24 working hours can address the primary education needs, while simultaneously providing paid hours to sustain themselves and further career development.
 
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s policy resolution calls that the Government of Canada create a waiver available to students pre- and post-entry in which up to 16 hours a week of paid employment for international students (off-campus during the school term) beyond the 24-hour restrictions can be considered for educational programing as an independent study credit: experiential learning. This waiver will also require alignment with the Provinces and Territories to assure the necessary permits pre- and post-entry for international students to participate in this form of educational experiential learning paid employment. Finally, we call that the government present this restriction waiver opportunity to universities and colleges (Educational Institutions) as preparation to develop and offer experiential learning up to 16 hours per week as part of an independent learning course credit or course project. 
 
The benefits of supporting the educational experience of students to the business community are obvious. As students gain practical experience through experiential learning opportunities, the businesses equally benefit by training their workforce of the future, creating connections and identifying future talents. Ultimately, the support and expansion of experiential learning opportunities will strengthen the high-quality education offered to students within our communities, like Fredericton, creating a better future for all post-secondary students in Canada. 
 
Statements of Support
 
“St. Thomas University has prioritized experiential learning opportunities for our students because it complements what they learn in class with practical, real-world experience. We have a very successful program and there is more we want to do, and for that we need partners. This policy resolution is important because it is a manageable, achievable approach that builds on existing successes. It highlights the need for the Government of Canada to work with and support the efforts of sustainable post-secondary education institutions — we have to work collaboratively to continually better the world-class education offered in Canada,”
-Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi,
President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Thomas University
 
“At NBCC, we believe experiential learning is incredibly important for all learners, but for international students it brings added benefits, helping them connect with their new community and build professional networks right here in New Brunswick. Experiential learning opportunities make their transition into the province’s workforce smoother after graduation and we believe that it’s a key ingredient in the high number of NBCC international graduates who chose to stay and work in New Brunswick. NBCC is committed to fostering an environment where experiential learning thrives, setting our students up for successful careers and helping them feel at home.”
                                      -Mary Butler,
      NBCC President and CEO
 
“The UNB Student Union (UNBSU) supports the experiential learning initiative championed by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, recognizing it as a vital opportunity for our international students to gain top-tier education, hands-on career development, and invaluable networking connections. Together with the Chamber of Commerce - we are committed to fostering an environment that prepares students for both academic success and meaningful career pathways.”
       -Drashtant Varma,
                                       President, UNB Student Union
 
“Experiential learning is an educational strategy. It is a bridge to the future for students, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in today's job market. This policy resolution aligns with the Atlantic Chamber's drive to enhance economic vitality in our region. We are eager to collaborate with educational institutions and other stakeholders to expand experiential learning opportunities.
       -Rhonda Tulk-Lane,
                                       CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
 
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The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than
1,000 members is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The
Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity.’
 
Contact: Morgan Peters, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce –
(506) 451-9742; ceo@frederictonchamber.ca