ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the unintended consequences of the shift to a predominantly market orientation to internationalization in Canada by asking the following questions: How might the emphasis on the economic outcomes in both policy and practice have put internationalization at risk? How are the shifting priorities in Canadian higher education juxtaposed with the economic rationales for internationalization? Will the economic focus result in internationalization being viewed as counter to current priorities that focus on social justice? The rationale for internationalization was a central debate in Canada pre-COVID as evidenced by a rise in critical scholarship that positions internationalization as driven by neoliberal agendas that are divorced from academic, social, and ethical rationales. The market orientation to internationalization was welcomed by many as the revenue generated provided much needed income to underfunded public institutions. However, this economic focus has also had the unintended consequence of diminishing the worth of internationalization beyond a revenue generation mechanism. This optic has intensified due to the pandemic halting reliance on mobility, as well as recent federal mandates for Canadian higher education to address reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and implement equity, diversity, and inclusion action plans. The social justice foci of these initiatives are in contrast to the market orientation of internationalization. Through a review of federal policy documents, as well as the critical internationalization and global citizenship literature, this chapter explores how internationalization in Canada may require a re-orientation to remain relevant when mandates to indigenize and address equity, diversity, and inclusion issues are beginning to displace internationalization as a priority.
