Budget 2025 is a welcome step toward a more productive, innovative, and resilient Canada. In a moment of global uncertainty and technological change, the federal government has set a focused plan to grow Canada’s capacity — people, ideas, and infrastructure — so we make more, adopt faster, and compete globally.
The budget makes serious, future-focused bets: sovereign AI infrastructure; defence and dual-use research; a new Major Projects Office; major trade corridors; and measures to accelerate training and youth employment. These are the right assets for a competitive economy and a strong catalyst for collaboration between business and post-secondary partners.
Federal nation-building investments are an opportunity for universities, colleges, and polytechnics to anchor Canada’s innovation supply chain: training specialized talent, standing up mission-driven labs and testbeds, and moving ideas from campuses to Canadian firms.
On post-secondary
BHER will work with universities, colleges, and polytechnics to focus research strength, expand applied and industry-embedded projects, and scale work-integrated learning so more students, including graduate students and apprentices, contribute to priority sectors.
On industry
BHER will help companies adopt new technologies, connect with research partners, and build the skilled teams needed to commercialize here at home. We’ll support the rollout of Sectoral Workforce Alliances as operational hubs that link learning to earning, and champion streamlined procurement and project delivery so major investments move from plans to impact.
The opportunity now is delivery at speed and at scale. BHER and our members are ready to align talent, research, and industry demand so investments translate into productivity gains, quality jobs, and globally competitive firms.
Budget 2025 sets a clear direction. It's a strong starting point. BHER looks forward to doing the hard work, with government, post-secondary, and industry leaders, to turn these commitments into measurable outcomes: more innovation, higher productivity, and opportunities for young people and workers across Canada.
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Contact Info | |||
| Valerie Walker Chief Executive Officer valerie.walker@bher.ca | Matthew McKean Chief R&D Officer matthew.mckean@bher.ca |