George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown welcomed Canadian and Caribbean leaders to its Waterfront campus for the opening plenary of the Canadian-Caribbean Leaders Dialogue, held from May 22 to June 1, 2025. The event brought together voices from education, business, public policy, and philanthropy to discuss global collaboration, leadership and inclusivity.
The engaging session, “Leading Through Uncertainty,” was moderated by GBC’s Dr. Krista Holmes, Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and examined how education systems, public policy, and industry can work together to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The featured panelists included Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, Chancellor of the University of Guelph; Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University; Paul Trudel, Chief People Officer and Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Brand at EllisDon; Dr. Ray Williams, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, and Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown. Their insights underscored the crucial need for inclusive, adaptable leadership across diverse sectors.
Building economic prosperity through inclusive collaboration
The Canadian-Caribbean Leaders Dialogue also reflects George Brown’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization on an international scale. By creating space for open, cross-regional dialogue, the event supports efforts to address mutual challenges and drive local economic development in both Canadian and Caribbean communities.
“This Dialogue represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening the bridge between Canada and the Caribbean,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown. “Through education, research, and partnership, we are creating new opportunities for collaboration and shared prosperity that will benefit our students, institutions, and communities across both regions.”
The event highlights GBC's position as a globally engaged, industry-connected institution that showcases its leadership in fostering impactful partnerships that unite diverse communities in pursuit of inclusive growth and innovation.
STRATEGIC LOCAL AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Strengthening global partnership for educational excellence
As the only Canadian college participating in the Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI), George Brown continues to lead as an urban institution with global influence. The Canadian-Caribbean Leaders Dialogue represents a significant step in GBC's dedication to strengthening relationships across borders through collaboration and innovation in education, research, and industry.
Transformative student experiences through global engagement
George Brown's deep partnerships with the Caribbean have led to exceptional international opportunities for students, including work-integrated learning placements and education pathways supported by local governments, non-governmental associations, and partner institutions. These programs help students develop vital cultural competencies and a global outlook, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Faculty members also benefit from knowledge exchange opportunities that enhance teaching practices and address systemic challenges. Research collaborations between GBC and Caribbean institutions focus on pressing social issues, such as labour market disparities, affirming GBC's role as a research-driven institution dedicated to meaningful impact.
Advancing strategic college initiatives
International connections established through the Dialogue are advancing GBC's strategic goals, supporting international recruitment and the study abroad experiences of domestic students, while enabling the launch of innovative new programs aligned with global workforce needs. Recent achievements include climate innovation initiatives showcased at the 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute Symposium, as well as partnerships with countries such as Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda to enhance technical and vocational training.
HRH The Princess Royal, Anne, President of the Commonwealth Leaders' Dialogue, is presented with a poem by TracyJ, commissioned by George Brown to signify the opening of the Canadian-Caribbean Leaders' Dialogue.
We Are The Bridge (an excerpt)
We are the bridge
connecting sun-kissed islands and snow-filled streets
we are the difference
between what is
and what can be
we stand where it's uncomfortable
we speak when silence would be easier
our mission is not simply to lead
but to lead with impact
being a leader is more than titles
It's holding community in one hand
and vision in the next
It's stepping forward
as sunlight breaks through heavy clouds
It's not just about what we do
but who rises because of what we do
Read more about our recent achievements
2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute Symposium
George Brown Dr. Gervan Fearon advocates for academic leadership in climate resilience during the 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute Symposium. His address emphasized cross-regional collaboration and showcased the college's sustainability initiatives, including the BIM program, data analytics for climate resilience, and the GBC’s new net-zero Limberlost Place building.
Growing Partnerships in Guyana
Exploring workforce development opportunities in Guyana through partnerships with the University of Guyana and government initiatives, focusing on leveraging technology and knowledge to drive economic growth in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Innovative partnership helps transform Guyana’s manufacturing workforce
George Brown collaborates with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) to deliver specialized technical training in Programmable Logic Controllers, advancing industrial automation skills for 43 manufacturing professionals as part of the Guyanese government's commitment to award 20,000 online scholarships.
George Brown hosts former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, engaged with students at a landmark town hall event hosted by George Brown, highlighting Canada-Caribbean relations and the institution's longstanding partnerships across the region, while addressing critical issues such as climate change and educational opportunities.