Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

Background

In 2005, Bob Rae released a comprehensive review of postsecondary education entitled Ontario: A leader in learning, more commonly known as the Rae Report or Rae Review. The report included a recommendation to change the structure of higher education in Ontario by adding an independent and objective Council on Higher Education to monitor the dynamic changes of postsecondary institutions in order to provide advice to government on the overall system.{{Cite web |archive-date=26 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060326221654/http://www.usask.ca/communications/ocn/05-feb-18/news12.shtml |url-status=dead |url-status=dead

Presidents

The following people have served as president and CEO of HEQCO:

Malcolm Butler – August 2025 –

Janice M. Deakin – August 2020 – July 2025

David Trick (Interim) – September 2019 – July 2020

Harvey P. Weingarten – July 2010 – September 2019

Ken Norrie (Acting) – April 2010 – July 2010

James Downey – January 2007 – March 2010

Board

HEQCO is governed by a board of directors who are responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the council as well as ensuring that its activities remain aligned with its mandate. Board members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council pursuant to the Higher Education Council of Ontario Act, 2005.

Board Chairs

Armand La Barge (acting) (2025)

Shelley McGill (acting) (2023–2025)

Karin Schnarr (2022–2023)

Pat Lang (acting) (2021)

Sue Herbert (acting) (2021)

A. Scott Carson (acting) (2020–2021)

Denis Mayer (2019–2020)

Nobina Robinson (2019)

Alastair Summerlee (2015–2018)

Cindy Dundon Hazell (Interim) (2014–2015)

Elizabeth Dowdeswell (2012–2014)

Frank Iacobucci, C.C., Q.C. (2006–2012)

Research

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario employs a multifaceted research approach with a view to developing meaningful policy recommendations and publishing reports and other publications that inform the postsecondary education community in Ontario, Canada and around the world. To date, more than 275 research papers and reports have been produced, with new reports continually being published. The council's research publications are available on their website.

HEQCO's current research priorities include:

• Improving access to higher education for non-traditional and underrepresented students.
• Ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in life through the assessment of skills and competencies.
• Enhancing academic quality and choice by assessing the sustainability of postsecondary institutions and the sector. This includes examining approaches for differentiation among higher-education institutions and exploring options for outcomes-based funding.

Hosted events

The council has hosted workshops, conferences, webinars and other events to further its research agenda and contribute to the higher-education sector. HEQCO has hosted ten conferences between 2011 and 2025.

References

References

1. (January 2026)
2. Skolnik, M. L. (2005). The Rae Review and the structure of postsecondary education in Ontario. In C. M. Beach (Ed.), ''A challenge for higher education in Ontario'' (pp. 21 – 22). Kingston, ON: John Deutsch Institute for the Study of Economic Policy.
3. Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (n.d.). ''2006/07 Annual Report''. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from http://www.heqco.ca/assets/HEQCO%20Annual%20Report%202006-07%20EN.pdf{{Dead link. (August 2024)
4. Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (n.d.). ''2007 Review and Research Plan''. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from http://www.heqco.ca/pdf/101_EN.pdf{{Dead link. (August 2024)
5. CNW Telbec (2007, January 4). ''James Downey appointed first president of Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario''. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/January2007/04/c3135.html
6. https://heqco.ca/news-release/dr-malcolm-butler-appointed-president-and-ceo-of-the-higher-education-quality-council-of-ontario-heqco/
7. "Dr. Janice M. Deakin appointed President and CEO of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario – Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario". www.heqco.ca.
8. "HEQCO _ About Us".
9. "HEQCO Press Release".
10. "HEQCO Annual Report 2011".
11. "HEQCO Annual Report 2010".
12. "HEQCO Annual Report 2018".
13. "Board of Directors".
14. "Dr. Karin Schnarr appointed chair of HEQCO Board of Directors".
15. "HEQCO Board Meeting Minutes, December 8, 2021".
16. "HEQCO Board Meeting Minutes, June 3, 2021".
17. "HEQCO Board Meeting Minutes, August 8, 2019".
18. "HEQCO Board Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2019".
19. "HEQCO Board Meeting Minutes, July 22, 2019".
20. "HEQCO Annual Report 2017".
21. "HEQCO Annual Report 2015".
22. "HEQCO Annual Report 2014".
23. "HEQCO Annual Report 2012".
24. "Research".
25. "Events".