This is the final report of a commission established to examine postsecondary education in the province of New Brunswick.

Between January and September 2007, the commission released a discussion paper; gathered data; consulted with students, postsecondary education stakeholders, and the public; and looked at the findings and recommendations from other provincial commissions.

The commission’s recommendations include the creation of an integrated student-focused postsecondary education system; the establishment of an arm’s-length coordinating agency that would be responsible for quality assurance, credit transfer, and other items; the operation of the New Brunswick Community College outside the provincial government; and major improvements to student aid and university funding, including research funding.

The commission also recommended the creation of a new kind of institution, the polytechnic, which would be able to offer a variety of credentials, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, some graduate degrees, and apprenticeship training.