Private training institute in Yellowknife renames itself a polytechnic
CBC
There’s a new polytechnic in Yellowknife — and it’s not Aurora College.
A private training institute once known as the College of Northern Canada has been renamed the Polytechnic Institute of Northern Canada.
The name change comes as Aurora College continues its own transition to a polytechnic university.
Louis Blais, the vice president academic of the Polytechnic Institute of Northern Canada, did not respond to an interview request from CBC News.
However, Blais wrote in an email to CBC News that “[a]dopting a Polytechnic Institute identity underscores the institution’s responsiveness to labour market needs and its commitment to collaborative partnerships.
"In addition, the new name was deliberately selected to signal a broader, more varied portfolio of programs planned for the future. "
Right now, the institute's website lists two accredited programs, both in logistics management.
The College of Northern Canada began offering programming in 2024. Around that time, it had its initial accreditation applications denied, partially due to not appearing to have an understanding of northern Canada.
The college has also previously listed several Indigenous leaders as advisers, many of whom have said they weren't actually involved.
Joe Handley, the former N.W.T. premier and deputy education minister, worked on establishing what is now Aurora College and is the college's former chair. He says the Polytechnic Institute of Northern Canada's name change is a bit strange.
“They could call themselves a polytechni[c] if they like, but that would be confusing. I don't know that they have very many courses that are accredited right now,” Handley said.
Handley said he was offered the chance to be on the board of the Polytechnic Institute of Northern College but he declined. He said he questioned the benefit of the college for northern students.
He said his view in general is that education shouldn't be revenue-generating.
According to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, a polytechnic is a school that typically emphasizes flexible learning pathways as well as applied learning and applied research.
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