In 2005, the Minister of Advanced Education of Alberta initiated a comprehensive review to establish a new direction for Alberta's advanced education system. This initiative, A Learning Alberta, will identify a new vision and policy outcomes for the system. To assist in the development of the vision and policy framework, several other discussion documents have been prepared. Each discussion document identifies key issues, challenges and opportunities. This discussion document provides a context for considering opportunities and challenges related to the providers of advanced learning opportunities, and more specifically, how the system could be shaped. It is intended to stimulate discussion and generate feedback as to whether the advanced education system is configured appropriately to respond to future challenges and opportunities, and most importantly, to the future needs of learners. The discussion document is also supported by the Profile of Alberta's Advanced Education System, which provides historical data for further context and consideration. A draft glossary of terms is appended. [This report was produced by Alberta Advanced Education.]