Postsecondary capacity has long been a major issue for CMEC and, in 2004, it was chosen as one of three key priorities. Among the major challenges being faced by postsecondary institutions are the following:
- The need to recruit and retain faculty, especially to fill vacancies left by the expected wave of retirements
- Growing demand for postsecondary places in many regions and institutions, with a falling demand in others
- The need for more graduates, particularly those with doctorates, in certain fields
- The indirect costs of research that take a heavy toll on institutional and provincial budgets
- The deferred maintenance of university infrastructure that impacts both teaching and research capacity
- More diverse student populations requiring additional resources for access and services
CMEC has developed an action plan that includes three objectives:
- Survey the state of postsecondary education systems and produce an issues integration document describing postsecondary issues facing Canada's provinces and territories
- Agree on a joint provincial and territorial position with respect to the federal government and produce a position paper on postsecondary issues to be tabled before the Council of the Federation (COF).
- Implement the provincial/territorial strategy and ensure appropriate follow-up with the federal government
The first two objectives have been accomplished, while the third is an ongoing activity. The jurisdictions were involved in the development and implementation of Competing for tomorrow: A strategy for postsecondary education and skills training in Canada, issued by the Council of the Federation in 2006.
Ministers have consistently emphasized the critical importance of substantial, predictable, stable, and ongoing federal funding for postsecondary education to meet current and emerging needs. The ministers are seeking a long-term increase in federal financial investments and an adequate level of federal funding through the Canada Social Transfer.
As a component of the continuing emphasis on increasing federal government funding through fiscal transfers, the Postsecondary Education Capacity Action Plan is now being updated, with the development of a PSE data and information strategy as a priority.
In 2009, the federal government announced $2 billion for repairs, renovations, and expansion of postsecondary institutions, and the ministers acknowledged this funding while urging the federal government to respect provincial and territorial responsibility for education when allocating the funding.