Department of Chemistry Char Mark Lautens writes in the Globe and Mail about recent news articles characterizing international students as mere sources of tuition and university revenue, while simultaneously blaming them for housing shortages.
In a December 19th opinion piece, he pushes back, against placing limitations on a talented pool of students he characterizes as creative and energetic knowledge-seekers. "We compete globally for these highly qualified undergraduates, and having a diverse student population is a positive, not a negative."
Lautens points out that international students arrive in Canada with excellent educational credentials from strong universities, along with superb skills and a passion to succeed.
"They are superbly positioned to help Canada achieve a more productive and innovative future."