Rescuing Canada’s Universities

Universities are drivers of societal renewal, places where innovation thrives, free inquiry and the advancement of knowledge flourishes, and future leaders are shaped. At its core, the university’s mission is to pursue truth, further knowledge acquisition, promote critical thinking, and cultivate cultural and civic citizenship. It plays a vital role in edifying citizens, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society and guiding the next generation of leaders.

But Canada’s universities are in crisis.

Instead of fostering critical thinking and innovation, universities are struggling to remain spaces where free inquiry, open debate, and diverse perspectives can thrive. Universities have become incubators of groupthink, where diverse perspectives are silenced in favour of an orthodoxy disguised as “social justice.” The rise of administrative influence, coupled with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, is compromising academic freedom. This shift is further exacerbated by policies and structures that prioritize conformity over the pursuit of knowledge. With public trust in higher education plummeting and universities increasingly relying on international students, the fallout is not just academic—it’s political, social, and economic.

To reverse this decline, MLI is launching a bold project to restore universities to their true purpose: a vibrant marketplace of ideas. Our goal is to equip policymakers with the tools to restore the integrity of our universities, and to ensure the next generation of Canadians is empowered by a true and education.