BC Gives PSE Institutions Another $6.7 million for ESL Programs

Source: BC News Release via Academica | April 2, 2014

The BC government has announced another $6.7 million in funding for English as a second language (ESL) programs at 9 PSE institutions, to make it easier for the colleges and universities to wind down their programs following cancelled federal funding. Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk explains that Immigration Canada had decided to award contracts directly to non-profit agencies and a limited number of PSE institutions, rather than funnel money through the provincial government to colleges and universities. The ministry is still waiting for further details about the federal ESL program, and what agencies or institutions will receive contracts to deliver the training. The 9 institutions that will receive the additional funding include British Columbia Institute of Technology, Camosun College, Capilano University, Douglas College, University of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Okanagan College, and Vancouver Community College.

TCS Insights: With details from the Canadian federal government regarding their ESL program still unclear, British Columbia has displayed leadership by funding ESL programs within the province. Students who did not grow up speaking English will be better afforded the opportunity to succeed as they pursue an education in BC as a result of this funding.

69% of 2005 bachelor’s entrants completed PSE credential in BC by 2011

69% of 2005 bachelor’s entrants completed PSE credential in BC by 2011

Source: Government of British Columbia | December 2013

A new study of 12,508 students who entered BC bachelor’s programs in fall 2005 reveals that 69% of students completed a credential of some kind by fall 2011, and that 93% achieved the credential they initially entered – a bachelor’s degree. The Student Transitions Project also showed that 23% of these students were still registered in a PSE institution in BC in 2011. These students who are still attending PSE are, on average, more mobile among BC institutions than those students who completed a credential within 6 years, or those who didn’t continue studying at a BC institution. The study is produced by a partnership between BC’s education and advanced education ministries and public PSE institutions.

TCS Insights: Undergrad students in British Columbia who began completing their degrees in 2005 were found to have completed their studies by 2011, with 93% of them acquiring the Bachelor’s degree they originally set out to achieve. Institutions in the province have displayed their dedication to providing as many of their students with a valuable educational experience as possible.

BC Introduces International Student Regulations to Comply with Federal Plan

Source: BC News Release | February 6, 2014

The British Columbia government has announced new requirements that require PSE institutions accepting international students in study programs of longer than 6 months to have BC’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation. A BC news release says the requirement will be phased in over the next 18 months to give institutions time to acquire the designation, which will entail “establishing quality assurance standards—including having a transparent tuition refund policy.” The regulations are in response to the federal government’s new program within the International Education Strategy, which requires all provinces and territories to develop a list of PSE institutions eligible to host international students for study programs of longer than 6 months.

TCS Insights: BC aims to assure students coming to Canada from abroad that their educational facilities are of high quality by forcing them to earn this designation. Institutions will have to meet various standards in areas such as programs and tuition refund policy so international students will be better informed when choosing where to study.

BC Contributes $4.5 million to Heavy-Duty Transportation Training Centre

BC Contributes $4.5 million to Heavy-Duty Transportation Training Centre

Source: BCIT News Release | February 3, 2014

The British Columbia government is providing $4.5 million to allow the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Vancouver Community College (VCC) to create a new Motive Power Centre, which will house heavy-duty transportation programs from both institutions. BCIT says the new centre will create partnership opportunities for BCIT, VCC and prospective employers, while also providing the physical space to allow industry to participate in the centre. “Around 43% of the one million jobs expected to open by 2020 will require trades or technical training,” says BC Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk. “Co-locating two existing heavy-duty transportation programs into one centre will benefit students, industry and employers.” The 142,000-square-foot facility is set to open to students in September 2014.

TCS Insights: Through the creation of the Motive Power Centre, the province of BC is preparing both domestic and international students for the heavy-duty jobs in the transportation industry that are expected to arise in the near future.

WesternU Releases New Strategic Plan

Source: WesternU News Release | January 31, 2014

Western University [CIEC Academic Member] has released its new strategic plan, Achieving Excellence on the World Stage, which was approved by the university board of governors and senate. The plan includes 4 strategic priorities: creating a world-class research and scholarship culture; providing Canada’s best education for “tomorrow’s global leaders;” engaging alumni, community, institutional and international partners; and generating and investing new resources in support of excellence. The plan also focuses on raising WesternU’s profile “among globally pre-eminent universities.” High-level targets in this area include increasing international undergraduate student enrolment to at least 15% and domestic out-of-province student enrolment to at least 10% of the undergraduate student body, and doubling the number of academic departments, schools and faculties that rank among the world’s top 100 universities in major international surveys.

TCS Insights: Western University has begun the process of improving their standing on the global stage with the introduction of their plans for the future. While aiming to collaborate with more international partners and establish a globally recognized research environment, Western will look to recruit students from around the world as well. This represents an opportunity for students from outside of Canada who are looking to be a part of an institution on the rise.

Canada Announces $43 Million in NSERC Grants

Source: Canada News Release, Courtesy of Academica | January 9, 2014

Canadian Minister of State (Science and Technology) Greg Rickford today announced that the most recent round of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) funding will provide $43 million to 77 research teams at universities across the country. The funding will go towards 2 grants: the Strategic Network Grants and the Strategic Project Grants. The funds will help researchers work with companies and other organizations on long-term projects to address industrial and societal challenges.

TCS InsightsThe Canadian government aims to use these grants to increase research and training in areas that influence the Canadian economy and environment over the next decade. Additionally, this funding will go towards research that involves interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and institutions such as solar power and cloud-based computing projects.

Acsenda School of Management

acsendaSituated in Vancouver, Canada, Acsenda School of Management specializes in leadership and business with a distinct international focus. The school is a small, private institution with undergraduate programs, a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program with different specialities since 2004 and, beginning in January 2015, a Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree. Acsenda operates with its own academic governance model modelled to support a strong academic culture.

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British Columbia Institute of Technology


BCIT is one of British Columbia’s most popular post-secondary institutions with nearly 50,000 students enrolled. Founded in 1964, the establishment has five main campuses along with additional satellite locations across the province. They offer degrees, diplomas and certificates in an expansive variety of programs. BCIT provides students with theory based learning while working with industry to allow students to apply their knowledge both on campus and in the field. Upon graduation, students will have the skills needed to participate in the workforce immediately.

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Capilano University

capilanouvertlogoLocated in North Vancouver, Capilano University first opened its doors as a college in 1968 responding to the need for local education. In 2009, registration had grown from 748 to 7,500. Capilano University offers a wide range of accreditation and degrees across six areas of study: Arts & Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation, Health & Education, Fine & Applied Arts, and Continuing Education.

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New trade and investment office to boost Indo-Canadian ties

Source: Economic Times via Indian Economic Business News

British Columbia Finance Minister Michael de Jong, who was on a visit to Punjab recently said the opening of a new trade and investment office in Chandigarh will strengthen economic ties between India and Canada.”Trade and Investment office (at Chandigarh) will boost the business prospects (between India and Canada),” Jong said. A new trade and investment office was opened at the Canadian Consul-General in Chandigarh on December 7th. Jong said there is a huge potential for mutual trade in sectors of energy, coal, technology, education, wood products, digital media ability, etc. “Trade must go both ways and both the countries have to go a long way in this regard,” he said. On immigration, Jong said there are some “difficulties” in the matter of immigration even though India is the second largest source of immigration to Canada. “Our biggest challenge in coming years is people. We need people in our economy but we need to have a fair system that encourages movement of people in both the countries,” he said.

Canadian province eyes 10-fold jump in trade

Source: Economic Times via Indian Economic Business News

Michael De Jong, the Finance Minister of the Canadian province of British Columbia, says he is eyeing a 10-fold jump in trade with India over the next few years. De Jong is betting on companies from India exploring opportunities in sectors such as coal and natural gas while businesses from the Canadian province seeking opportunities in areas such as life sciences, aerospace and agri-food processing. “We did $300 million of trade last year, (but) I see a potential for $3 billion. India has more to offer Canada than shrimp, which I believe registers as one of the top exports. We can do way better. For us, we are blessed with abundant natural resources and we understand that in India there is an insatiable appetite for coal, natural gas and fertilizers. These are areas where both sides can work together,” he said.

British Columbia opens two new offices in India

Source: Connect – Canada in India

During a visit to India from December 2 to 10, Michael de Jong Q.C., Minister of Finance for the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC), opened two new British Columbia Trade and Investment offices, co-located within the Consulate-General of Canada offices in Chandigarh and Mumbai. The office openings took place on:
Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh – December 7
Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai – December 10

The new official British Columbia Trade and Investment offices will promote and develop export opportunities to India for BC businesses, attracting investment from India, develop mutually beneficial investment projects and foster partnerships between BC and Indian institutions and companies for joint research and development.

For more information, please email:
Chandigarh – [email protected]
Mumbai – [email protected]  .

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

KPU was formed in 1981, after separating from Douglas College. The university then took over the campus south of the Fraser River, where KPU continues to be present today.

In 1995, the institution became a degree-granting university college, and in 2008 became a polytechnic university.More than 20,000 students annually (over 12,000 full-time equivalency students). 57,000+ registered alumni around the world.

KPU is Canada’s only polytechnic university. We focus on hands-on skills, in addition to traditional academics. There are a total of 140 programs available at KPU, many of which include work experience terms, practicums, or cooperative education options.


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Phone
604-599-2866
Website
KPU.ca

Langara College

langaraEstablished in 1970, Langara College aimed to become a community leader for accessible, quality education. Decades later, Langara ranks among the top undergraduate institutions, delivering exceptional learning opportunities through a wide range of certificate, diploma and degree programs. With the contributions of staff and faculty, their programs and services continue to grow while continuing to meet the needs of the community.

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Simon Fraser University

sfuFormed in 1965, Simon Fraser Univeristy has established itself as the lead comprehensive university in Canada. With campuses in three of the largest municipalities in British Columbia and connections to partner communities in the province and around the world, SFU aims to be the most community-engaged research university in the country. SFU is among the world’s top research and teaching universities with more than 30,000 students, 6,500 staff members and 120,000 alumni while also ranking on the Times Higher Education 100 Under 50 list of universities.

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