Membership in the association requires universities to meet strict criteria and adhere to set principles of institutional quality assurance that must be reaffirmed every five years.

[4] On 25 October 2011, Universities Canada, known then by its former name, announced a new "Statement on Academic Freedom" which was adopted unanimously by the membership at its centennial meeting.

[6] Its priorities are increasing funding for universities' operating and capital costs, research, and international programs, along with improved student assistance.

"[8] Universities Canada (and similarly the Canadian government) exclude social class from their EDI statement and initiatives.

That is, the invisible minority who come from and/or live in poverty, those from working-class backgrounds, and those who are generally known as first-generation and/or low socioeconomic status.