Presentations:

BRIDGING THE GAP: Best Practices in Linking Education to the Development of the English-speaking Workforce in Quebec to Maximize Labour Market Outcomes - A Comparative Analysis for a Sustainable Future

Sarine Karajian, CEDEC

This research project, BRIDGING THE GAP: Best Practices in Linking Education to the Development of the English-speaking Workforce in Quebec to Maximize Labour Market Outcomes - A Comparative Analysis for a Sustainable Future, aims to identify best practices in connecting education to workforce development for Quebec’s English-speaking communities, with a focus on maximizing English-speaking labour market participation and mobility across Quebec. The study is based on a comparative analysis of successful national and international policies, frameworks, and programs, with the goal of synthesizing international best practices into an adapted framework for further discussion. The actionable insights generated can inform and enhance current strategies to strengthen linkages between English-language educational institutions and the employment demands of Quebec’s labour market. These insights aim to inform Official Language Minority Community of Quebec (OLMCQ) policy discussions with institutional and community leaders and policymakers and to guide future research and partnerships in education and workforce development.

From University to Community: Building Knowledge Mobilization Capacity for Student Engagement and Impact

Hamid Golhasany, McGill University and Ollivier Prigent, Université de Sherbrooke

This presentation explores a case study at McGill University’s Faculty of Education that investigates how knowledge mobilization (KMb) practices can bridge the gap between academic research and community needs. The qualitative interviews with both students and faculty reveal that while they have a strong desire to collaborate with community organizations in addressing societal issues, significant institutional barriers persist. Key challenges include inadequate recognition of KMb efforts in academic reward systems, funding constraints, and a lack of clear guidance on navigating community partnerships. Conversely, enablers such as KMb training integrated into research methods courses, mentorship from experienced supervisors, and internship opportunities demonstrate potential pathways for capacity development.

Situated within Quebec's unique linguistic and cultural landscape, this case study at McGill University reflects the efforts of students and faculty to collaborate with community organizations, including English-speaking communities. By focusing on knowledge mobilization, the project supports meaningful collaboration that is relevant to Quebec’s English-language minority education sector. It argues that developing KMb capacity among students and institutions can enhance their ability to contribute to the vitality and sustainability of minority communities, such as English-language minorities in the province.