A new American university campus has opened in Markham, Ontario, aiming to bridge the gap in the region's technology sector workforce. Westcliff University Canada's Toronto campus launched in Markham, marking the institution's first entry into the Canadian market.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti emphasized the importance of this development, stating that local business leaders have been clear about their need for graduates with specialized, immediately applicable skills in fields driving regional growth. He noted that Westcliff's Master of Information Systems Technology program was built around these exact requirements, creating a pipeline of talent that employers in Markham have been seeking.
The Westcliff campus is located within the ventureLAB space on Steeles Avenue, just west of the Don Valley Parkway. ventureLAB reports supporting 4,000 tech ventures on their journey from prototype to global market. The facility offers 50,000 square feet of innovation space and $12 million worth of labs.
ventureLAB CEO Hugh Chow described the partnership as a direct bridge between specialized talent and high-growth companies, driving innovations that power Canada's knowledge-based economy. Westcliff President and CEO Dr. Anthony Lee added that the program was built in direct collaboration with local tech leaders because workforce-ready education must be designed with employers and around the realities of working professionals. He emphasized that Toronto's continued growth depends on a continuous supply of highly skilled talent.
Noticeable Shortage
According to Robert Half's research, 88% of Canadian technology leaders report challenges in finding the talent supply Lee referenced. Robert Half Inc. is a global talent solutions firm that matches highly skilled professionals with companies seeking contract, temporary, or permanent hires, also providing expertise in the tech sector.
The Conference Board of Canada projects that between 2023 and 2028, the economy will require an additional 305,000 tech workers. Canadian colleges and universities graduate approximately 25,000 to 30,000 tech students annually, far below the more than 60,000 needed each year to meet demand. Lee stated that Toronto's employers need graduates ready to contribute on day one in AI, cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing, which is exactly what the MIST program produces.
Filling the Gaps
Westcliff is opening its satellite branch to help fill the gap between talent and opportunity. Jonathan Samson, national vice president of government relations for Enterprise Canada, noted that Westcliff has the expertise in-house and knows how to form the right partnerships with industry, which many traditional institutions struggle to do.
Founded in 1993 and located in Irvine, California, Westcliff University's primary goal is to support the integration of classroom instruction into the real world of business, STEM, and education. The for-profit institution offers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificate programs and continuing education courses. In 2025, enrolment was listed at 9,079 students representing more than 110 countries worldwide. The California-based private university held its grand opening on April 29 at ventureLab in the city's south end.
