Hey Angela, I'm not sure how things work in Canada but this is not a sentiment I hear repeated very often here in Malaysia. Most of the good or rewarding employment opportunities tend to be reserved for university graduates. While it is possible for non-graduates to be happy or successful, a lot of them found it much harder to achieve that success. So, even if they didn't have degrees, many wish they did!

University graduates will also find it generally easier to seek employment elsewhere in the world, especially since some countries use points-based immigration systems to decide who to let into their country. The UK and Australia do this, with points ratcheting up depending on the terminal degree someone has (Bachelors, Masters, PhD). Canada does as well, but I suspect that isn't relevant in your case. :)

BTW, I am so impressed by your professor's endorsement!