Media Release

January 15, 2014

The U15 welcomes the Government of Canada’s launch of the Comprehensive International Education Strategy

OTTAWA – The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities applauds the Government of Canada for its Comprehensive International Education Strategy, which International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced today in Toronto. The U15 believes the strategy demonstrates the government, the minister and the department’s commitment to strengthening and improving Canada’s higher education status globally.

“This comprehensive strategy aligns with the priorities and objectives of Canada’s research-intensive universities when it comes to attracting the best and the brightest students to Canada, “says Dr. Amit Chakma, the U15’s chair. “The strategy will strengthen our partnerships with leading research centres abroad and increase collaboration with the private sector. We look forward to continue working with the federal government to build Canada’s reputation and brand as a preferred destination for international students who want a creative, supportive environment in which to study and innovate.”

U15 institutions educate about 45 percent of Canadian university students, 75 percent of Canada’s international PhD students and award about 75 percent of Canada’s PhDs. U15 researchers collaborate with thousands of their international counterparts on ground-breaking research projects and help Canada open new diplomatic and trade channels through their tens of thousands of alumni working and living abroad.

“Minister Fast and his colleagues have a keen understanding and appreciation of the importance of promoting Canada’s education brand, and of the benefit Canadians gain from that promotion,” says Chakma. “I am proud to have worked with the government on this strategy, through their consultations and as Chair of the Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy. The focus on supporting partnerships and collaborations with key global centres of research excellence will pay considerable dividends for Canadians and Canadian businesses, and will establish a pan-Canadian approach for the numerous stakeholders in this field.”

For further information, please contact:

Rob Rosenfeld Director, Advocacy, U15-Group of Canadian Research Universities (613) 695-6755 [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @u15ca

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As Canada’s fifteen leading research universities, the U15 undertake 80 percent of all competitive university research in Canada, rank among the world’s premier institutions, and represent a research enterprise valued at more than $5 billion annually. Collectively, we produce more than 75 percent of all doctorates awarded in Canada.

The U15 University members: – Indira Samarasekera The University of British Columbia – Stephen Toope University of Calgary – Elizabeth Cannon Dalhousie University – Richard Florizone Université Laval – Denis Brière University of Manitoba – David Barnard McGill University – Suzanne Fortier McMaster University – Patrick Deane Université de Montréal – Guy Breton University of Ottawa – Allan Rock Queen’s University – Daniel Woolf University of Saskatchewan – Ilene Busch-Vishniac – Meric Gertler – Feridun Hamdullahpur Western University – Amit Chakma