Postsecondary institutions in British Columbia and beyond are facing a “financial reckoning” that is reshaping how Canadians learn, work, and access opportunities, writes Natasha Mrkic-Subotic (Capilano University). Mrkic-Subotic explains the factors that have brewed over the years to create the current crisis began to brew years ago. As the consequences of this become clear, the author argues that innovation will take place under pressure with changes such as a move toward modular learning, digital and platform partnerships, and the use of AI to enhance teaching and student support. “With coherent policy, funding and guardrails, Canada can build a more accessible, resilient, future-ready system,” writes Mrkic-Subotic. “Without them, disruption will deepen inequities and hasten decline.”
