Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) hosted An Evening of Humanics & Healthcare Innovation, welcoming Members of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly (MLAs), industry partners, and community leaders for an important discussion on the future of education and healthcare in the province. 

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in developing a strong, future‑ready workforce for the province. Throughout the evening, meaningful conversations explored the connection between education, innovation, healthcare, and economic growth. This emphasizes how institutions like FDU Vancouver play a critical role in driving talent development and meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving BC labour market. 

Supporting British Columbia’s Workforce Needs 

According to the BC Labour Market Outlook (2025–2035), British Columbia is expected to have more than one million job openings over the next decade, with most requiring post-secondary education or training. At the same time, the healthcare sector continues to face ongoing staffing challenges across clinical and administrative roles. 

The healthcare sector alone employs more than 286,000 people in BC, representing over 11% of the province’s total workforce, yet it continues to experience persistent staffing shortages, particularly in nursing, allied health, and administrative leadership roles. At the same time, BC’s broader economic strategy emphasizes skills training and talent attraction as essential pillars for sustaining productivity, innovation, and community well‑being. 

These trends highlight the importance of accessible, practical, and industry-aligned education to support both current needs and long-term growth of BC. 

FDU Vancouver’s Humanics Approach 

During the event, President Michael Avaltroni PhD shared FDU Vancouver’s public mission to support BC industries and employers through workforce development rooted in Humanics. This approach combines human skills, ethical leadership, and technology to prepare students for modern workplaces.

“British Columbia is an incredibly important community for Fairleigh Dickinson University,” said President Avaltroni. “As a not-for-profit institution in BC for almost 20 years, FDU Vancouver exists with a public mission to serve British Columbians by supporting employers, empowering learners, and helping ensure the province has the skilled, human-centred workforce it needs to thrive in the age of AI.” 

FDU Vancouver’s approach focuses on leveraging technology to enhance the best human qualities, particularly in fields such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and empathy. 

Advancing Healthcare Education 

During the event, FDU Vancouver also highlighted FDU HealthPath Forward, an extensive portfolio of healthcare and allied health-focused programs designed to address workforce needs in BC. FDU Vancouver is developing pathways that span certificate programs through to master’s degrees, enabling learners at multiple career stages to upskill or reskill efficiently.

Evening of Humanics and Healthcare FDU Vancouver

Evening of Humanics & Healthcare Innovation with FDU Vancouver

Key programs include: 

  • Master of Health Administration (MHA): Designed to strengthen healthcare leadership and operations, the MHA supports clinicians and organizations by developing skilled professionals in healthcare administration, policy, and system management, helping relieve operational pressures on frontline providers. 

These new FDU programs are designed to help learners gain practical skills and find rewarding careers that directly support healthcare systems in British Columbia.  

Oakridge Park: A New Hub for Innovation and Collaboration 

Looking ahead, FDU Vancouver also shared updates on its upcoming move to Oakridge Park, a new campus that will serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and community connection. The new 70,000+ square-foot campus will be located within one of Vancouver’s largest single mixed-use developments, designed to bring together learners, educators, industry and community leaders. 

“We are very thankful to all our BC MLAs, partners, and guests who attended the event,” said President Avaltroni. “We greatly appreciate our guest speakers, Rohini Arora, MLA for Burnaby East and Korky Neufeld, MLA for Abbotsford West. Our engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening British Columbia’s workforce and ensuring that education remains a powerful engine for opportunity. By working together, we can continue to build a strong, skilled, and adaptable workforce for the province.” 

 

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About Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus 

Since 2007, FDU Vancouver has shaped professionals in British Columbia through personal, global and transformational education. As a comprehensive not-for-profit university, FDU Vancouver delivers industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate education in business, health, hospitality and tourism, humanities and information technology. Learn more about FDU Vancouver at fdu.edu/vancouver  

 

Media Contact 

Lester de Guzman 
Marketing and Communications, Director 
vancouver.communications@fdu.edu