Postsecondary education and skills training are important priorities for the Council of the Federation. Approximately 70% of the jobs created in the coming years will require a postsecondary education. This highlights the important link between economic, social and cultural development and high-quality education and training. Approaches to economic development must therefore be tied to effective strategies for education and training.

At the summer 2005 meeting of the Council of the Federation in Banff, Alberta, Premiers agreed that a sustainable and long term strategy for postsecondary education and skills development is critical to the future prosperity and competitiveness of the country. Premiers also recognize that this is more than an economic imperative, but a measure of our commitment to opportunity – it is the foundation of an engaged citizenry and a strong democracy. To this end, it was agreed that Premiers McGuinty and Charest would spearhead this initiative by hosting a special meeting of provincial and territorial ministers responsible for postsecondary education, skills training and finance (which was held in October 2005), as well as convene an historic national Summit of stakeholders on the matter in early 2006.