Ottawa, August 22, 2019 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) welcomes the launch of Canada’s new International Education Strategy and looks forward to working with the federal government and other stakeholders to continue shaping Canada’s world-class education system. The association is especially proud to be entrusted with the administration of the new Outbound Student Mobility Pilot that is a key component of the Strategy, in collaboration with Universities Canada.
Launched in Edmonton by the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as one of three pillars of the new International Education Strategy, the pilot will support international mobility for outbound students at Canadian colleges, institutes, cegeps, polytechnics, and universities. This will allow them to acquire in-demand global skills by providing opportunities to study or work abroad.
The pilot represents an investment of $95 million over five years and will address three key objectives: increase the participation of underrepresented students, diversify the destination countries of international opportunities for students, and test innovative approaches to reducing barriers to working and studying abroad. Up to 11,000 Canadian students will benefit from the pilot project over its five-year duration.
The new International Education Strategy is a joint initiative between Global Affairs Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; and Employment and Social Development Canada. Based on an initial investment of $147.9 million over five years, it aims to ensure a sustainable international education sector. This will be achieved by diversifying the countries from which international students come to Canada, boosting the country’s innovation capacity, promoting global ties and fostering a vibrant Canadian economy.
Quotes:
“In an increasingly globalized world, study and work abroad programs are essential international learning experiences that ensure students are culturally literate, resilient, and adaptable. The Outbound Student Mobility Pilot will equip Canadian students to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace. We look forward to working with our members to ensure students have the global skills needed to succeed.”
Denise Amyot, President and CEO, CICan
“Our government is ensuring that Canadian businesses have the talent they need to compete internationally, so they can create good jobs right here at home. Canada is a leader in international education, and our new strategy will strengthen our trade diversification efforts, boost our innovation capacity, promote closer people-to-people ties, and foster a vibrant Canadian economy.”
Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
“Providing young Canadians with more opportunities to gain education and experience abroad will ensure they are better equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. This is part of our plan to grow the middle class and ensure more Canadians get that fair chance at success.”
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“Ensuring Canada attracts the best and the brightest students while having tools to better protect students and maintain program integrity is paramount to the success of this strategy.”
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. CICan’s members add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 10,000 programs to learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Tel.: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan