Canadian universities: The impact of free trade and globalization

Abstract

Canadian universities are governed by provincial statutes and are funded by federal and provincial governments, as well as by student fees. They have had exclusive jurisdiction over admission standards, curricula and the granting of degrees. Even though they are autonomous, they are influenced to act in the interest of Canadian society through the use of buffer bodies (between governments and universities) and Boards of Governors. The passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement has changed these basic assumptions. Since education (including higher education) is part of social programs, and social programs are not exempt from the provisions of NAFTA, higher education will have to adjust to serving not only Canadian society but permit extra-national institutions to deliver their services without requiring the presence of Canadian nationals. These changes are occurring at a time when technology is making possible electronic means of delivery of higher education material. This article is a first exploration of the intersection of knowledge, capital and technology in the context of free trade. It is set in a Canadian context but its reflections have relevance to other countries.