Canada – Page 7 – Canada India Education Council

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA: Today a groundbreaking MOU was signed between BSE Institute Ltd. (BIL), Ryerson University and Ryerson Futures Inc. (RFI) from Toronto, Canada. The document outlines a partnership to create BSEI-Ryerson Digital Media Zone, a new India-based incubator for entrepreneurs to fast-track their startups and connect with mentors, customers, and investors. The collaboration between BIL, Ryerson and RFI lays the groundwork to help young entrepreneurs expand into both the Indian and Canadian markets and also touches on a broad spectrum of areas in the domain of entrepreneurship development and professional development education.

The signing ceremony was organized on July 29, 2103 at the BSE. Several dignitaries from the finance industry, academia and media were present to witness the launch.

BSE Institute’s CEO & MD, Mr. Ambarish Datta said, “Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical for the growth of any economy, as has been evidenced in the USA, Germany, Israel, and many other countries around the world. Youth unemployment and underemployment is prevalent in India and needs to be addressed on a war footing. Setting up of new enterprises can contribute in a major way to address this issue. Apart from creating wealth and boosting the economy, new businesses also create significantly larger number of jobs than established ones. Hence we need to ensure that there are many new enterprises and they get the required support to succeed.

The BIL-Ryerson Incubation Center (BRIC) will offer startups expert guidance and mentoring to refine their concept, help them get their business up and running and also connect them with investors for securing capital.”

Mr. Sheldon Levy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ryerson University, added: “This initiative is an important first step towards creating a new bridge between Canada and India that provides young entrepreneurs unprecedented international opportunities. As Canada’s university leader in entrepreneurship, we’re excited to contribute to this venture that will support innovation and prosperity in both countries.”

“The signing of today’s MOU enables us to forge networks of angel investors across Canada and India,” added Matt Saunders, President and Managing Director of Ryerson Futures Inc. “These initiatives will help increase the odds of success for early-stage start-ups while giving them access to new markets. We are proud to share our expertise towards this partnership that will strengthen India’s startup ecosystem and provide a boost for both countries’ economies.”

The BIL-Ryerson Incubation Center will be built on the lines of the Digital Media Zone, a unique model developed at Ryerson University that has attracted international attention. The Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University (DMZ) is one of Canada’s largest incubators and multidisciplinary co-working spaces for young entrepreneurs. Infused with the energy and resources of downtown Toronto, this hub of digital media innovation, collaboration, and commercialization is home to both startups and industry solution-providers. The DMZ leads the way in experiential learning and business success by creating a unique ecosystem of education and entrepreneurship. Emerging leaders’ fast-track their product launches and grow their companies in this supportive community by connecting with mentors, customers, and each other. Since opening in April 2010, the DMZ has stimulated Canada’s digital economy by incubating and accelerating 92 startups and launching 142 projects.

The first initiative through the partnership between BIL, Ryerson University, and RFI will be the launch of ‘The Next Big Idea’ competition. The competition seeks to discover India’s most innovative companies who are looking to use a presence in Ontario, Canada as a vehicle to expand into North America. The winner will receive the opportunity to incubate their company for three weeks in the Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University (DMZ), including flights and hotels. Using the DMZ as a landing pad, the entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, business development advice, and gain valuable international experience. The competition opens August 12 and closes August 30, 2013.

96 GTU Students reached Canada to study at Laurentian University for 6 weeks

August 1, 2013August 11, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Written by Bhativa Shukla

Gujarat Technological University (GTU), established by the Government of Gujarat in India caters to the fields of engineering, pharmacy, and business studies (MBA programs), Computer Applications (MCA), and Architecture in Gujarat.

96 of the university’s students have reached Canada to study at Laurentian University for 6 weeks under the “International Experience Program.” International Experience Program (IEP) is specially designed by GTU under its “Centre for Global Business Studies” and “Centre for Technology Education, Public Policy and Universities of the 21^st Century.” IEP has been designed to increase global connectivity among higher education institutions. It also gives an opportunity for the students to experience International Education.

51 students reached on 14^th June 2013 and rest of 45 students reached on 16^th June 2013 at LU. 21 students are from the pre-final year of Bachelor of Pharmacy and 75 students are from the pre-final year of Computer engineering /IT/ CSE/MCA.

The Pharmacy students are studying Pharmacology III and Pharmaceutical Chemistry-X (Medicinal Chemistry). The Computer Science students of are covering Web Data Management and Wireless Communication & Mobile Programming at Laurentian University. An orientation and a reception were organized to welcome students and to brief them about the facilities at the campus. Dr. Vasu Appanna, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering encouraged students to work hard, learn, and also to have fun by participating in various recreational and cultural activities on Thursday, 20^th June, 2013. Students explored the city in a tour organized by Ms. Rachel Trudeau, Business Officer in the Dean’s office. They visited different places in Sudbury like Dynamic Earth, downtown, and New Sudbury Centre.

GTU Students at LU are impressed with the educational experience and innovative teaching techniques. They are finding the teaching environment very friendly and interactive. They will be studying for 6 weeks at Laurentian University and credits will be given by GTU.

The program was initiated in 2011, when 34 MBA students went to the University of Alberta, Canada. During the summer of 2012, 111 students had been to the Laurentian University, Canada for studies under IEP. GTU also offers such programs with Universities in the US and Germany.

GTU also has a co-supervision of doctoral research work under which 114 professors from Europe, the US, and Canada work with professors and doctoral students of GTU.

From November 2010 to July 2013, many leading academicians from Canada have visited India and have met students, professors, deans, and officers at GTU.

Read the Report.

‘ACCESSIBLE ARCTIC’ IN MUMBAI

July 18, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Zee News

MUMBAI: The Arctic is much more than polar bears, icebergs or auroras. Spectacular photos of Arctic region of Canada are now being showcased in India, a country that has been recently granted observer status at the Arctic Council.

A five-day exhibition “Accessible Arctic” curated jointly by the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Geographic (CG) begins today at High Street Phoenix here.

The show has been organised by the Consulate General of Canada which aims to provide locals an insight into the extreme and distant Arctic.

“The timing of this exhibit marks India’s newly granted observer status at the Arctic Council recognising, among other things, India’s demonstrated Arctic interests and expertise. Canada as Chair of the Arctic Council welcomes India to this important global body,” Richard Bale, Consul General for Canada to Mumbai, said in a statement.

Photographs range from flowers to fields of grazing caribou to icebergs and polar bears.

The images have been captured over a period of eighty years and the exhibition itself has travelled to places like London, Belgium, Stockholm, Port of Spain, Riga (Latvia), Warsaw, Sydney, Berlin, Bucharest, Wellington, Santo Domingo, Washington and Seoul among others.

A picture from the November-December 1997 shows the late summer colours of fireweed and yellow barley flare in valleys north of Canada’s Dawson City.

Diverse flora and fauna make the area a favourite for hikers and the mountains also contain rich gold and uranium.

Photos by Whitehorse, Yukon Ken Quong for the CG January-February 2007 edition titled “Flight Path” shows swans in flight. The most common of the three species of swans found in Canada, tundra swans fly the winter to California and return to the Arctic in May.

Another photograph in the exhibition is a 1999 photo of a womens’ sprint race at the almost 1.9 million square kilometers, Nunavut the largest territory in Canada. The territory came into being on April 1, 1999 and impromptu ceremonies sprang up at settlements throughout the territory to celebrate the new creation.

In 1970, dog teams were most common transportation means in the Arctic. Speed, strength and endurance were necessary characteristics of the dogs. Today, most dog sledding is done for recreational purposes. A picture of one such dogsled features in the showcase.

Another photograph shows the world’s largest land omnivore, an adult polar bear surveying the horizon. Studied equally by scientists and Inuit hunters, the bears are under increasing pressure as the Arctic warms.

There are also photos of navigational markers, food caches and cultural symbols. Stone markers have long been in use in the Arctic, where natural landmarks are scarce. In recent years, workers in northern parks have had to dismantle inuksuit created by campers and hikers so that the actual markers for trails and food caches would remain clear.

“Accessible Arctic” is the first project to be showcased under “World Wednesday”, the latest property of High Street Phoenix, which aims to showcase various cultures of the world.

After July 7, the exhibit is scheduled to also travel to three other locations including the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai.

Foreign service strike slowing down visa applications

July 18, 2013August 1, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: CBC

The job action by Canada’s foreign service officers is causing a slowdown in visa applications, which could result in big costs to the economy.

The federal government and the union representing diplomats and immigration officers abroad have been locked in a contract negotiation battle for months. As part of escalating job action measures, diplomats at key visa application centres — including Beijing, Delhi, Sao Paolo and Mexico City — have withdrawn their services.

“The applications are just piling up,” said Tim Edwards, head of the the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers. The number of visas issued from offices in major centres abroad dropped 60 to 65 per cent in June, he said, and overall, the issuance rate is down 25 per cent.

Across the board, the backlog is growing five per cent per week, and in the bigger centres, it’s 10 to 20 per cent per week, said Edwards. At more than half of the 51 foreign visa application centres, the processing times are exceeding the immigration department’s 14-day target.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s office says all visa offices remain open and are providing services and that the department is “closely monitoring the situation.”

Kenney was asked about the visa situation on Tuesday while making an announcement about passports.

“In the last federal budget, the government dedicated an additional $22 million a year to improving visa processing, so while we are seeing some short-term slowdowns as a result of the strike, we hope to see mid- to long-term recovery because of the investments that we are making,” he said.

The slowdown has the tourism and education sectors worried. People who need a visa to come to Canada, including tourists from big markets such as China, Mexico and India, are being warned to apply as far in advance as possible and to apply online to cut down wait times.

Kenney’s office said every visa office has core staff that have been deemed “essential” and are not participating in the job action, and there are other staff who are not part of the union because they are “locally engaged” hires.

But those staff members don’t have the authority to approve or decline a visa application, according to the union, and adding that staff, in some cases retirees who are being sent abroad, is not making up the shortfall caused by striking workers.

Summer is the peak season for travel, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada is warning of huge losses because of the labour dispute. The group’s president, David Goldstein, said in a statement last week that travellers are abandoning their plans to visit Canada because they were told about visa delays and that the visa system is “being held hostage.”

“No matter what side of this labour dispute you find yourself on, there is clearly one loser — the Canadian tourism industry that stands to lose over a quarter of a billion dollars of business this year,” he said.

Goldstein pegged the potential price tag at $280 million for 2013, but said the cost to Canada’s reputation will be much higher, “as there are plenty of other more accessible countries happy to welcome their business.”

Students worried about visas

The education sector is also taking a hit because the visa slowdown is affecting international students who are preparing to come to Canada.

“The crunch is coming for September admissions, they will need their visas by early to mid-August,” said Paul Brennan, vice-president of international partnerships at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. “We’re quite worried that unless this is resolved or special measures are taken students will not get their visas in time.”

International students are a growing economic contributor and it’s a sector that the federal government and education community have been working hard to promote. The efforts are paying off, as the number of students from India alone, just studying at colleges, not universities, has jumped from 1,500 to 8,000 over the last four years.

The ACCC has an estimate that international education is worth $8.1 billion to the Canadian economy per year.

Foreign service officers are involved in the marketing efforts and are great allies, Brennan said, but they’ve scaled back on that work because of their job action. He’s worried progress made in recent years will suffer a setback if the dispute drags on much longer.

Brazil is set to send 1,200 students to Canada on government scholarships in the coming year and a lot of them are anxious about getting their visa on time, Brennan said. If the delays persist, they may end up abandoning Canada and going to the U.S. or elsewhere, he said.

‘Fair’ offer on the table

Even if the government takes measures to speed up the visas, he’s worried word-of-mouth about the slowdown will cause lasting damage to Canada’s reputation as an education destination.

The union says the service withdrawals are a direct result of the government’s refusal to engage meaningfully with its employees and to put a fair offer on the table.

The union is advocating for “equal pay for equal work,” asking for salary increases to keep foreign service officers on par with other public servants who do comparable work.

But Treasury Board, the department responsible for contract negotiations, says the government has put forward a fair offer, one that is “fair to employees and fair for taxpayers,” according to a spokesman for Treasury Board President Tony Clement.

“It is unfortunate that the union is attempting to take their labour demands out on Canadians,” press secretary Matthew Conway said. “The foreign service is a well-paid and highly sought after posting. In addition to salaries that often go into six figures, foreign services workers enjoy generous benefits worth tens of thousands of dollars per individual.”

The union disputes the government’s claims about the benefits, and Edwards said if the government was really being fair, it would be willing to discuss the wage gap issue.

The last time the two sides sat down was June 5, and the government presented the exact same offer as it did 20 months ago, said Edwards. There are no new talks scheduled.

Synergy 2013: Seats filling quickly

July 18, 2013March 27, 2020Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Registrations are now open for our highly successful “Canada-India: A Synergy in Education” event, held since 2007. The Canada India Education Council (CIEC) is proud to host Synergy 2013 on Oct 3 & 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn near Toronto Airport.

This year’s event will highlight education activities as well as provide networking opportunities for institutions and organizations interested in operating in either or both countries. With a focus on key academic areas of co-operation and on partnerships, Synergy 2013 will provide updates from India regarding the entry for foreign education providers (Bill 57) leading to many possible outcomes for Canadian education providers. Synergy 2013 will serve as a great way to hear about both governments’ programs and policies in education, which have been recognized as a signature priority. An interesting session will be conducted by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) who will discuss impending legislation and how it could transform ‘Internationalization’ efforts for private institutions. Synergy 2013 will also feature a round table discussion on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor and feature closing remarks by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and a reception by the co-chairs of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association.

Highlights of this year’s sessions:

Update on Canada India Higher Education cooperation & promotion of Canada as a study destination by Foreign Affairs & Int’l Trade (DFAIT)
Update on the Ontario-Maharashtra-Goa (OMG) program & cross directional push for higher levels of collaboration in Research & Higher Education by Dr. Lalu Mansinha
Updates from Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and we are particularly delighted that the recently founded IC-IMPACT (announced by PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012) will also be present and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Join hundreds of academic experts from both countries as they discuss recent developments and hear illustrious speakers stimulate thought and demonstrate the opportunities of this dynamic and burgeoning education corridor. For a detailed Agenda, please visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/synergy-2013/ To Register, click here.

The seating capacity at Synergy 2013 is only 120 and registration is once again on a first come basis. CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, you must reserve your room by August 31^st by clicking here. For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide a 1 night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.

CIEC is a membership founded, bi-national, independent, event-driven organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s landmark event and in the meanwhile, have yourself a great summer!

Canada makes immigration more difficult

July 17, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: GulfNews.com

At the centre of the rule changes is a new definition of the phrase “dependant child.”

DUBAI: If you plan to move to Canada after January 1 and have children who are 19 or older, they will have to make separate and independent applications.

And new rules coming into effect then will also make it more difficult for older children who plan to study full time to move to Canada.

It’s estimated by officials in Ottawa that the new rule changes will cut an estimated 7,000 applicants from moving to Canada.

At the centre of the rule changes is a new definition of the phrase “dependant child”. At present, those under 22 are considered to be dependant children and qualify to automatically move with parents if the parents’ application for permanent residency is granted.

Under the new rules, those past their 19th birthday will have to make a separate application — opening a new immigration application file with permanent residency being granted or denied on the merits of the application. With education and work experience being a critical part of the points test for permission to emigrate, the new rule will make it virtually impossible for those new files to be approved — at last until third-level education and work experience build up the needed points.

“These rule changes are going to make it a lot harder for parents who have older children to move here,” Dev Patel, an immigration consultant and paralegal based in Mississauga, Ontario, told Gulf News. “This rule change was announced about a month ago and I am already seeing a spike in files and people wanting to come to Canada are worried. I think that it’s important to spread the news that if you plan to move to Canada, the earlier the better. I know that Dubai and the UAE is often used as a stepping stone for many people from the sub-continent who want to come to Canada. I have several files on my desk right now and two families in Dubai will have to make separate files for their older children if they don’t follow through on the current paperwork.”

The rule changes were detailed in a seven-page report post on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site.

“The earlier in life immigrants arrive, the more their educational experience will resemble that of their Canadian-born counterparts and the easier it will be to learn an official language and adapt to Canadian cultural traits and social norms,” a says.

Under the current immigration rules, a child is considered a dependant if they are under 22 and single, but there are exceptions if the person is over 22 and still rely on direct financial support from their parents or legal guardian — and are full-time students.

According to the latest statistics from Ottawa, 64,757 of all sponsored children to Canada were under 19 in 2012 — making up nearly 90 per cent of the total. There were 7,237 applicants as dependant children over 19 in the same year.

Part of the reasoning given in the briefing paper outlining the rule changes says that Canada’s economy remains fragile and needs to be protected.

Age at emigration frequently determines where a person receives his or her education. With the difficulties in determining a foreign credential’s value in Canada and evidence that the return on Canadian education is much higher, the report says. “I think the lesson for all now is that it is becoming harder and harder to immigrate to Canada,” Patel said. “This government has brought in new criteria, raised fees, changed rules and is generally making it more difficult to move to Canada. The reality is that Canada needs new immigrants to continue to grow.”

The dependant children’s age cut-offs in the United States is 21 and, in Australia, 25.

Our medical schools must not become shills for big pharma

July 17, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Globe and Mail

Most Canadians might be surprised to learn that medical students in Canada are routinely taught by faculty who have financial ties, and work in partnership, with drug companies. Conflict of interest (COI) policies at medical schools are important to ensure that students get an unbiased education based on the best available clinical evidence, free of industry-sponsored, commercially-driven information. After all, these students go on to become our doctors and we want the best doctors education can provide.

So, do medical schools in Canada lack appropriate conflict of interest policies or are they simply not following them?

In a study published in PloS One, we examined the COI policies at all 17 medical schools across the country. Our findings reveal a glaring problem, and something that should concern all of us. The majority of medical schools (12 of 17) have generally weak or non-existent COI policies, and four schools had policies that were moderately restrictive. Only one medical school – Western University – had stringent COI rules.

In other words, the bulk of our doctors-in-training in Canada are receiving health information that is potentially biased and misleading.

Here’s a telling example: Between 2002 and 2006, the University of Toronto held a pain-management course for medical and other health science professional students that was partly funded by grants from Purdue Pharma LP, the maker of OxyContin. As part of the course, a chronic pain-management book – funded and copyrighted by Purdue Pharma – was distributed to the students free of charge by a lecturer who worked in partnership with Purdue Pharma and was external to University of Toronto. The wording in the book exaggerated both the benefits and the approved uses for these medications, based on the current evidence at that time. Despite recognition of these concerns by the university after a student complained, those who attended the sessions were never informed of the bias or the problematic content of the lectures and book (which was used in a related course up to 2010).

The most poorly regulated areas noted in our study include curriculum selection, receiving free drug samples, visits from pharmaceutical sales representatives and taking part in speaking engagements on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.

Bottom line: Unrestrictive policies allow industry to influence medical residents’ education about appropriate, effective and safe medicines, as well as prescribing choices.

Free drug samples have been found to increase the likelihood that medical residents will choose to provide medications to patients that cost more than equally effective prescription treatments, or other non-pharmaceutical options. Frequent visits by drug sales representatives are associated with influencing prescribing practices, resulting in more frequent prescribing and poorer prescribing quality.

The biggest concern, however, is the lack of education provided to medical students about the pervasiveness and effects of COI relationships with drug companies. Without such guidance, medical students, who will become prescribing physicians, graduate without being fully equipped to deal with either potential conflicts of interest in medical practice, or the influence of industry promotion on clinical judgement.

Our findings mean that industry has the ability to influence the resources provided and information that is taught to medical students. Without effective, stringent policies to regulate industry’s interactions with medical students and faculty, drug companies are granted the ability to be present in medical schools and play notably influential roles in the clinical training of medical students.

If we want the best doctors in Canada, our medical schools need to revise and improve their policies to regulate conflicts of interest between medical faculty, residents and the pharmaceutical industry. These policies should address the medical curriculum and the ways in which relationships with pharmaceutical firms may affect the attitudes and information that is taught to medical students.

Medical students should be educated by medical faculty using the best available clinical evidence that is unbiased by industry so that when medical students graduate, they are able to provide their patients with the best, most effective, and safest treatments possible.

Academy Canada Prepares rural classrooms

July 17, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Telegram

Private college taking over adult basic education programs

Academy Canada director James Loder’s summer got a lot busier with the announcement this week it will expand to 11 new communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver adult basic education.

“I was on holidays. I was expecting the announcement to come in one week, so I decided I would take the week before off,” he said. “It was Monday morning at 10 a.m., I was lounging around in my shorts on my deck.”

As reported earlier this week, independent career college Academy Canada will move beyond its existing campuses in St. John’s and Corner Brook and begin offering adult basic education in Baie Verte, Bonavista, Deer Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the Labrador coast (Nain and Hopedale), Labrador West, Northwest River, Placentia, Seal Cove/C.B.S. and St. Anthony. Work is already being done to get their new locations ready, said Loder.

“We’re going into new communities and we’ll be acquiring new space,” he said.

“We’ve got a number of them that have already been secured, and some of the campuses we already have physically set up with desks and chairs ready to go. In other areas, we’ve got the contracts in place and we’re just getting ready to set them up, and there’s others where we’re in the final negotiating stage with the landlord. But we have somewhere planned for all the locations.”

Some of the locations include spaces previously used by the College of the North Atlantic, said Loder. All of the locations need to be ready for when classes start Sept. 6.

He’s excited about the expansion, which he calls the “next natural step” for the company.

“It’s really good news for us. Our school has been around for almost 30 years. It’ll be 30 years next year,” he said. “We’ve delivered programs in St. John’s and Corner Brook, and we have done some community-based training. We did a project in Roddickton, and we’ve done some courses in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish before, but we’ve never had a permanent presence in Newfoundland. So this allows us to expand and help support and build rural Newfoundland in a way we’ve wanted to do (for) a long time.”

The amount of hiring needed to be done won’t be known until final enrolments are in, but he expects at least 30 instructors will be needed.

What can India learn from the Canadian education system?

July 17, 2013July 18, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Times of India

The Canadian education system tries to be as equitable as possible towards students with disabilities. Many Canadian jurisdictions have policies that govern the inclusion of students with disabilities within the classroom. But in order to achieve this inclusivity, it is also required that parents, students, teachers, administrators and other community members continuously collaborate to address the needs of students with disabilities. For instance, while attending elementary and high school, a meeting was held for me at the start of the school year in which my parents, the teacher, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and I would discuss the curriculum for the upcoming year and the resources (ex. technology, special desk and chair, etc.) that I would need. This ensured that I was able to meet the academic goals set out in each grade’s curriculum.

The Canadian education system also makes an attempt to assist and accommodate students with disabilities in various ways. For example, in elementary and high school, I was given aSpecial Education Assistant (SEA) who would take my notes and scribe for me. At the high school, I attended, the elevator was specifically designated for students with disabilities; administrators made sure that the elevator was accessible at all times by distributing the elevator key only to students with disabilities. Some of my high school teachers also made an attempt to include me in the activities by adapting them to my needs. To illustrate, in my gym classes, if we were playing basketball, my teacher would have one round of wheelchair basketball as our school’s gym had extra wheelchairs for this purpose.

A number of Canadian post-secondary institutions have centres for students with disabilities that provide them with the necessary and reasonable accommodations. Examples of services offered by centres for students with disabilities are in-class note takers (who are student volunteers or hirees), scribes for exams, extra time for exams and textbooks in alternative formats (ex. Braille or large print). The accommodations are determined by a Learning Specialist/Disability advisor and are based on the student’s disability and needs. At SFU, I meet with my Learning Specialist at the start of each semester to discuss the course outlines and accommodations that I will need for that semester.

Occasionally professors may also accommodate the student on their own. For instance, because professors are aware that I require a scribe and extra time, if there is an in-class activity, they will sometimes allow me to take it home, type it up and email it to them. (Otherwise, the centre for students with disabilities arranges for a scribe if enough notice is given.)

Even though the Canadian education system aims to accommodate students with diverse needs, it must be noted that students cannot be accommodated in all programs. To demonstrate, a student like me who has limited hand coordination cannot expect to be accommodated in a pharmacy class where accuracy and precision are essential and tested. Students must also have the ability to learn.

After watching the ‘SatyamevJayate’ episode on people with disabilities, it is clear that the Indian education system faces a challenge when it comes to providing these types of services to students with disabilities. However, people living in countries like Canada fail to realize that this is not the case in all countries. You will be surprised at how many Canadians I come across who believe that people with disabilities are unable to attend school. This is due to the knowledge void that exists within our society regarding the education of individuals with disabilities, which I now hope to fill by sharing my knowledge and experiences.

Socio-academic integration a must for students’ success

July 16, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Written by Diwakar Sharma

Academicians and economists have different views on the education sector as a business entity. Those who are involved in the specialized area of student recruitment clearly understand that education institutions have to adopt a new model. As importance is given to internationalization of education by relaxing student visa regulation, as service providers all academic institutions must redesign academic programs as per the need of the job market. When we look at the mushrooming of private academic institutions operating under affiliation with different Indian universities, a total disconnect between education and job market is foreseen. Rising unemployment in India and an increasing number of graduates with degrees in hand but bare minimum soft skills makes it difficult for the industry to provide employment. It is the responsibility of the student recruiter to provide basic information to aspiring prospective students who want to gain admission in Canadian Universities and Community Colleges.

Education in Canada is structured and regularly monitored by the Ministry of Education and partners from the industry. The education providers constantly make changes in course curriculum as per the demand from industry experts. With updated course curriculum, Canadian Colleges and Universities provide not only the hard skills but the soft skills which make it easier for the candidate to secure a job within six months of graduation. Applicants from India should be briefed about the difference in education standards and they should be well-prepared to cope with the academic pressure in Canada.

It has been noted the majority of Asian students struggle in first semester as they are not aware of policies regarding academic misconduct and many get involved with plagiarism. A proper understanding of APA and MLA style of writing should be given to the students who intend to enroll in Universities and Colleges. Many students assume that they can take on jobs while studying without understanding that employment is not always easy to get. A proper budget should be allocated for room and board and personal expenses so that students don’t have to indulge in antisocial activities. Canada is a friendly country and hosting international students is a matter of pride but this is not sustainable with the unemployment or underemployment rates of permanent, Canadian residents. In the past, legislation prevented international students from seeking employment; with new amendments, visiting students have been given more access to the job market.

While international students contribute to the Canadian economy by paying fees and rent or buying commodities for daily use, people are concerned international students are taking jobs away from local residents. With few jobs available, this puts direct pressure on Canadian society and economy. Various employers provide work opportunities to students as they tend to save money by paying beneath minimum wages to jobseekers willing to take cash-paid jobs. Government resources take a direct hit when people apply for Employment Insurance or try to get welfare because they cannot find gainful employment.

Adaptation and integration are core Canadian values, ensuring the country continues to welcome growing numbers of international students. Student recruiters and education providers do not want to see drastic changes in the student visa process which might yield negative results. If we look at the trends in the UK, it is clear the pressure from local residents pushed the government to impose restrictions on international students and work permit seekers. At the moment, Canada is following a system comparable to the Australian system.

When we examine comparisons across students from China and India, we can see a shift in the policy and planning done by the Chinese parents. It is observed that more students are choosing Canada as a destination and many of them are attending high schools primarily in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Gaining university or college admission is easier coming from a Canadian high school because of the structure and partnerships between schools. Pathway programs help international students by providing them a direct access to admissions in prestigious universities. High school students are also exempt from IELTS and, once they complete their high school diploma in Canada, they are fully equipped with the necessary tools required for success in universities. Indian students should be briefed about the pathway programs and high schools so that they could take advantage of an early start in Canada.

Diwakar Sharma is the Senior International Recruitment Officer (South East Asia & Middle East) for TAE International Institute. He is also a member of TESL-Ontario, AMIC-Singapore, and PRSI India.

CIEC Opens Associate Membership for Indian & Canadian Academic Institutions

July 2, 2013March 27, 2020Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Academic relations between Canada and India are at an all time high and yet education linkages remain well below potential. CIEC was founded by bringing together 15 academic & non-academic organizations in Canada and has since gradually evolved into a valuable bridge between Canada & India. It is now positioned as the “go to” organization for Canada-India academic relations. CIEC is one of only a few organizations offering critical ‘on the ground’ presence in both countries and helps Institutions position themselves advantageously in an increasingly competitive environment. CIEC combines corporate governance with the benefits of a public-private partnership balanced with an entrepreneurial methodology to remain independent and yet be financially sustainable.

CIEC has invested countless hours and resources in paving the way for academics, organizations, governments and other stakeholders to work with each other and has helped lay the foundation for smooth academic relationships and exchanges. We are proud of our accomplishments in this short span but also realize that we have only just begun to scratch the surface. Besides planning delegations, organizing missions (recruiting & otherwise), training seminars, facilitating academic exchanges and hosting our flagship annual ‘Synergy’ Conference for several years, there remains much more to do and many more opportunities to be seized.

As CIEC opens its Membership to Institutions across India and Canada, we invite Colleges, Universities and interested Corporations to join us as we enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries. Members will have an opportunity to network with each other and showcase themselves and their institutions in this vibrant and burgeoning education corridor.

CIEC Membership will also serve as a unique way to profile your Institutions programs, commitments and initiatives in this vibrant ‘corridor’ and with thought provoking discussions led by experts from both countries featured in our monthly newsletter and live news portal ‘Disha‘ which is read by over 19,000 academics and thought leaders from both countries. Members can highlight recent developments, new programs, dialogue on emerging opportunities, stimulate thought and discuss new initiatives and ideas. CIEC’s highly penetrative and potent network reaches academic champions from both countries, high level government representatives and policy makers, besides Colleges & Universities.

CIEC is a bi-national, non-partisan, independent, event-driven, membership-based organization established to operate exclusively in the ‘Canada India education corridor’, enhance ties and create opportunities for academic institutions and learners from both countries.

To become an Associate Member and be counted as a leader and make yourself known in this dynamic and growing sector, click here to register and active your 1-year FREE listing online. We look forward to working with you.

Kind regards,

Hon. Pierre S Pettigrew, PC Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
Chair-CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor-CIEC

Connect with CEO Husain F. Neemuchwala on LinkedIn
‘Like’ CIEC on Facebook
Join our LinkedIn group ‘Network of Canada-India Education Leaders & Stakeholders‘
Visit ‘Disha,’ a ‘clearing house’ of information & updates pertaining to the Canada-India education corridor distributed to our database of 19 000 key education stakeholders, and subscribe to receive monthly editions.

SFU launches new MBA Program

June 24, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business is very pleased to announce that it has launched an MBA program at the SFU Surrey campus. Designed to meet the needs of a growing number of managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders seeking to enhance their business skill set without skipping a beat in their professional careers, the part-time MBA at Surrey features the same curriculum as SFU’s full-time MBA offered in Vancouver, and is taught by leading faculty from the Beedie School of Business.

Beedie’s part-time MBA at Surrey combines theory and application to provide students with the confidence and ability to make decisions and manage more effectively. It’s all about engagement – from a classroom experience that engages and challenges students to make informed and creative decisions – to the projects and events that have the students engaging with the business and non-profit community on a regular basis.

Students learn the most current and innovative management knowledge and skills – techniques that can be applied in the workplace immediately, but that will remain relevant throughout their career. The program’s comprehensive curriculum explores relevant topics such as sustainability, entrepreneurship and international business.

Beginning in January 2014, Beedie’s part-time MBA at Surrey is offered continuously over 24 months. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, in conjunction with a handful of full-day intensive sessions per year. The program will be hosted at SFU’s award-winning Surrey campus, designed by acclaimed architect Bing Thom and located adjacent to the Surrey Central SkyTrain station.

“The implementation of the Beedie School of Business’ part-time MBA program provides the City of Surrey’s growing business community a new opportunity for growth and progression, as well as reflects Simon Fraser University’s dedication to our City,” said Dianne Watts, Mayor of the City of Surrey.

“The astonishing amount of new businesses that have started up in the City of Surrey over the past six years, over 13,000, is a testament to the spirit of ingenuity and hard work that resides here, making the establishment of the part-time MBA program a perfect fit.”

For the most current information on the Beedie School of Business part-time MBA at Surrey, please visit http://beedie.sfu.ca/mbasurrey.

SFU’s Beedie School is home to Canada’s first Executive MBA program,

established in 1968, and has a longstanding history of creating customized

programs to the meet the needs of individual students. These include the

EMBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership and the Management of Technology

MBA programs. The school has offered its Bachelor of Business Administration

(BBA) program at the SFU Surrey campus since 2002.

Other programs at our Segal Graduate School in downtown Vancouver include:

MBA in Management of Technology, Executive MBA, MBA (full-time), Graduate

Diploma in Business Administration (online); MSc Finance.

Synergy 2013 just around the corner

June 24, 2013March 27, 2020Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Canada India Education Council (CIEC) is pleased to announce that this year’s 7^th Annual ‘Synergy 2013’ event is just around the corner and will at once feature major stakeholders such as AUCC, DFAIT, Ontario Maharashtra Goa (OMG), Shastri Institute (SICI) and academic experts from India accompanied by 5 Canadian MP’s and key thought leaders from both countries. We are particularly delighted that the recently founded IC-IMPACT which was announced by PM Stephen Harper in Nov 2012 will also be present and discuss opportunities for others to get involved in. Another interesting session will be conducted by representatives of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) who will discuss impending legislation and how it could transform ‘Internationalization’ efforts for private institutions. Synergy 2013 will also feature a round table discussion on the intersection of immigration & education in the Canada-India corridor and feature closing remarks by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and a reception by the co-chairs of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association.

On Oct 3 & 4, join academic experts from both countries as they discuss recent developments and hear illustrious speakers stimulate thought and showcase opportunities in this dynamic and burgeoning education corridor. The seating capacity is only 120 and registration is once again on a first come basis. CIEC has negotiated a special rate for delegates staying at the hotel, which will also provide complimentary airport transfers. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rate, reserve your room by clicking here. For delegates arriving from India, CIEC is pleased to provide 1 night FREE stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Toronto.

Exchange ideas via a focused networking event to further the interests of those already involved in or contemplating involvement in this dynamic education
Explore opportunities in this burgeoning sector and build an awareness & collaborative approach in sharing each other’s experiences and pitfalls to avoid. An opportunity to highlight your programs to peers and receive effective marketing tips, network with stakeholders active in both markets and benefit from existing connections.

For those who can’t make it, CIEC’s media team will be tweeting and updating you in real time via Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

You may find a detailed Agenda here.
To Register, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at Synergy 2013.

Regards,

Husain F. Neemuchwala Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
CEO – CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor – CIEC

Overseas students rarely challenge landlords

June 24, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Age

Many other students ‘pushed around in tenancies’.

When Yu Mao moved out of a rental property in Oakleigh she thought recouping her bond would be simple enough. But she was shocked to discover her signature on a claim form relinquishing most of the bond.

Ms Mao, who was an international student when she moved in, insisted she never signed the form. So she took it to police for analysis.

‘‘I had been trying so hard to prove I didn’t sign it,’’ she said.

The police analysis found her signature had been forged but was unable to determine who had written it.

Ms Mao has since become a permanent resident but said international students rarely spoke out about unfair treatment in their housing arrangements. ‘‘I don’t think they know there is a way to complain.’’

And the Council of International Students Australia says exploitation of foreign students in the rental market is rife.

The council’s public relations officer, Mohamed Ehsan Ebrahim, urged universities to ‘‘reach out’’ to students and help protect them from unfair situations. ‘‘A significant number of students have been exploited in the private rental market,’’ he said.

Withholding bonds was among the main problems.

Ms Mao said international students often left their tenancies without demanding their bond because they wanted to get home for their holidays. ‘‘Everyone is trying to leave the country as quickly as possible,’’ she said.

Ms Mao said the real estate agency she had dealt with agreed to return her bond after the police investigated.

Tenants Union of Victoria policy worker Mike Williams said international students rarely challenged their landlords.
‘‘Many international students are just pushed around in their tenancies,’’ he said. ‘‘Often they just don’t stand up for their rights.’’

He urged students to seek advice on their tenancies if they felt they had been mistreated. But few international students sought help from the union.

Hadi, who left Germany to do a PhD in Melbourne, never imagined he’d end up on the street when he moved into a house in Frankston.

But hoped speaking out about his sudden eviction would highlight the exploitation of international students in the rental market.

Hadi said in September he signed a contract that said he would mow the lawn and clean and maintain the house instead of paying rent.

Hadi, who did not want his surname published, said the landlord later demanded $150 a week. He said he agreed to pay $60 a week, but negotiations broke down.

Early this year, Hadi was walking outside his Dandenong workplace and found all his possessions dumped there.

He said a colleague handed him an eviction notice that had also been dropped off.

‘‘I went down to the garage and saw the other colleagues were laughing at me,’’ he said.

Hadi spent the night on a Swanston Street bench before crashing at a backpackers’ hostel in St Kilda for three weeks.

He recently challenged his eviction in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and won $1408 in compensation when the rooming house owner failed to appear.

The owner declined to comment.

IIMs might lower GMAT bar for foreign students

June 24, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Business Standard

Plan to attract more students from abroad to improve diversity on campus which is a major requirement for a better global ranking

To improve their global quotient and attract more foreign students, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are planning to lower the graduate management admission test (GMAT)’s cut-off score for the flagship two-year management programme (PGP) and the one-year full-time MBA.

IIM directors said the GMAT cut-off used by IIMs, at over 700, was too high for candidates to even qualify for interviews.

“As the institute builds its global reputation, it will have to take steps to internationalise the students admitted to its academic programmes,” said Samir Barua, former director, IIM-Ahmedabad. “This may require the institute to lower its cut-off in GMAT for admission, particularly for the PGP. Since potential applicants with such high GMAT scores easily get admission to the best schools in the world, practically no candidates apply to the PGP of the institute.”

IIM-A uses a cut-off of 760 or so, which Barua said was high. The GMAT scores of the selected candidates of the past batches have been 695 to 728. GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, a US-based organisation.

IIMs said lowering the cut-off significantly enhance chances of getting more foreign students. “Citizenship diversity is a major component for world ranking of management education institutes. Currently, we are marked almost zero for it,” said an IIM-A faculty member on condition of anonymity. “By bringing down the GMAT cut-off, we could attract more foreign students and enhance citizenship diversity. Out of a batch of 400-odd students, a good 20-25 foreign students would make such a difference and also increase our chances of getting ranked higher as a global B-school.”

IIM-A is the only management school in India ranked among the top-100 schools globally by The Economist. The institute is also the only management school in India that has all the three post-graduate programmes ranking high globally. Its two-year post-graduate programme in management is ranked seventh and the post-graduate programme for executives (PGPX) is ranked 11th among comparable programmes globally by the Financial Times.

Devi Singh, director of IIM-Lucknow, too, said the GMAT cut-offs at IIMs were too high. “Every IIM is thinking of bringing down the cut-off for GMAT scores. In addition to this, IIMs need to create an eco-system to attract more foreign students at our campuses. More foreign students increase chances of higher ranking among global B-schools.”

There is no cut-off score for GMAT at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, which introduced the one-year management programmes in India.

International Collaboration Proves Beneficial to College Students

June 24, 2013June 23, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: US News

Many students choose to pursue higher education in foreign countries, whether for a semester or the entirely of their college careers. A new study from Duke University found that students’ ability to interact with those from other nations has a positive effect on not only their global perception but also certain applicable skills that could benefit them after graduation.

Duke University researchers examined a 2005 survey of 5,675 alumni from four elite private research universities who graduated in 1985, 1995 and 2000. Participants were asked about their experience interacting with classmates. The respondents, who were all American, were also questioned about their participation in academic and extracurricular activities while enrolled as well as the impact their experiences at college have had on their lives in a number of different categories of “skill development.”

International Friendships in College Promote Personal Growth

The data showed that in the 1985 class, only 67% reported interacting with foreign classmates. The numbers increased over the years – 75% of the class of 1995 and 79% of graduates from 2000 indicated they spent time with peers from overseas. Among those who spent time with international students, the research revealed higher levels of nine different skills. This included the ability to relate to people of different backgrounds, improved independent learning surrounding new skills and education, developing creative ideas and solutions, using computers, and understanding the role of science and technology in society. Being able to acquire an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject, speak or read a foreign language, gaining quantifiable abilities, and integrating ideas and information were also more prominent in these groups than among those who did not spend much time with foreign classmates.

Number of International Students Continues to Grow

Connecting with peers from other countries will likely only become easier and more accessible, as the number of foreign students coming to the U.S. to pursue bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees has been increasing in recent years. The most recent data from the Institute for International Education shows that the number of foreign enrollees in domestic colleges and universities jumped 5% from the 2009-2010 school year to the 2010-2011 academic period. The majority of international students are coming from China, as the 23% growth of Chinese students seeking degrees in this time frame outpaced that of any other nation, and most of these students (45%) were enrolling in undergraduate programs. This detail may be especially beneficial to those hoping to enter international affairs careers, as China is one of the major economic players in the world, giving students a leg up on relations between these countries.

Top students shunning Japan

June 24, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Japan Times

HIKONE, SHIGA PREF. – A student seeking to study at a graduate school in the United States must take two sets of test — the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

The GRE consists of three sections: analytical writing, verbal (assessing comprehension, critical reasoning and vocabulary usage in English) and quantitative (assessing basic-level math knowledge and reasoning skills).

The GRE is required of both American and foreign students, and those from outside the U.S. will need to achieve high scores in the analytical writing and quantitative sections because they cannot expect to do equally as well as Americans in the English-language verbal section.

Students from India, where English is almost a mother tongue, naturally do well in TOEFL and score high grades in the English verbal section of the GRE, compared with Americans. Those from countries like China and South Korea study so hard that they, too, get high marks in both TOEFL and the GRE.

Many Japanese university students do quite poorly in both TOEFL and the GRE, perhaps because the English language is taught in Japan primarily to pass university entrance examinations — a way that is not beneficial when it comes to taking TOEFL. The average TOEFL scores of students from 30 Asian countries show that Japan ranked 27th, with only Laos, Tajikistan and Cambodia trailing behind.

Lately the Japanese government appears to have sensed a crisis over the decline in the number of both foreign students coming to this country and Japanese students going abroad for study. In 2008, the government announced a plan to increase the number of students from overseas to 300,000 by 2020 (accounting for 10 percent of the estimated 3 million students in Japanese higher education institutions). In reality, however, the number rose from 124,000 in the academic year 2008 to only 138,000 in the academic year 2011, showing how difficult it will be to achieve the 300,000.

A breakdown of foreign students in Japan shows that 60.5 percent are studying humanities and social sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students from Asian countries account for 93.5 percent of the total (Chinese and South Koreans together represent 79.5 percent), Europe 2.7 percent and North America 1.3 percent, showing that an overwhelming majority of them come from China and other parts of Asia. Those studying at graduate schools account for a mere 28.8 percent. The remaining 70-plus percent of students from abroad are enrolled at undergraduate schools, junior colleges, vocational schools and language schools.

According to the 2011 report on foreign students in Japan compiled by the Japan Student Services Organization, 90.5 percent of the students are studying at their own expense, while 6.8 percent have their expenses financed by the Japanese government and 2.7 percent are financed by the governments of their native countries. These statistics indicate the following:

(1) A majority of foreign students studying in Japan come from wealthy families in Asia who can afford the entrance examination fees, tuitions and living expenses. They may not necessarily be students with top-class qualifications.

(2) A majority of the foreign students are pursuing undergraduate and vocational curricula in Japan because they have failed to advance onto higher education in their own countries and instead chose to study at Japanese universities or vocational schools.

A number of Japanese universities accept foreign students with virtually no examinations. During the 2012 academic year, 45.8 percent of private four-year universities were unable to enroll enough students to fill their quota for a fixed number of students, leading them to rely on students from Asia to avoid bankruptcy.

(3) The reason why more than 60 percent of the students from abroad are taking humanities and social sciences at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is that the national and other public and private universities in Japan have opened their doors wider to foreign students following the government’s decision to expand the enrollment capacity for their graduate curricula. As this policy has made it impossible for those institutions to fill the expanded capacities with Japanese students alone, they decided to rely on foreign students to fill the fixed number of students.

In China and South Korea, the master’s and doctoral degrees are considered overwhelmingly more valuable than in Japan. It makes perfect sense, therefore, that parents in those countries, whose children could not study in nations like the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, spend huge sums of money for the second-best choice of having them study at Japanese graduate schools.

(4) The small number of foreign students in Japan whose expenses are covered by the governments of their own countries suggests that a majority of those who have passed the highly competitive examinations for the stipend have chosen to study at graduate schools in North America and Europe. Only a small number of students — such as those aspiring to become specialists in Japan-related studies — have chosen to pursue postgraduate curricula in Japan.

(5) Most of the North American and European students, who account for a mere 4 percent of foreign students in Japan, are enrolled at graduate schools with an eye on becoming Japanologists. But even the number of such students has been on the decline, presumably reflecting the decline of Japan’s economic power and international status.

It is a pity that the large majority of students from Asian countries seeking to study abroad prefer graduate schools in North America and Europe as their primary choice. It’s no exaggeration to say that those who see Japan as their primary choice are mostly students who majored in Japanese at universities in their own countries. Since they are proficient in Japanese, they study economics and social sciences at graduate schools in Japan to acquire the master’s and doctoral degrees, which will provide them with a good chance of landing jobs at Japanese corporations.

Some people have argued for some time that the reason why only a relatively small number of foreign students come to Japan is its unique system of starting the academic year in April. They advise changing the beginning of the school year to September in line with the practices of most countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

I have argued that while a change in the academic year and making English the standard language at graduate schools may increase the sheer number of students from overseas, such changes would provide little or no possibility of boosting the enrollment numbers of “outstanding” students from abroad who seek to study in Japan.

Universities may follow a “good” or “bad globalization” path. What we see at present is “bad globalization.” A prerequisite for promoting “good globalization” is elevating the levels of education and research at Japanese universities.

Nearly half of our millionaires are immigrants, new Canadians

June 19, 2013July 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: CTV News

A new survey finds close to half of the country’s millionaires are either immigrants or first-generation Canadians who made the bulk of their money after their arrival to the country.

By comparison, only 20 per cent of respondents attributed at least part of their wealth to an inheritance.

The BMO Harris Private Banking survey found that 48 per cent of Canadians with liquid assets of $1 million or more were either immigrants (24 per cent), or first-generation Canadians (24 per cent), meaning they had at least one parent born outside the country. In British Columbia, a full 68 per cent of the millionaires said they were new Canadians.

One of those newcomer-turned-millionaires is Vikram Vij, who opened up an Indian restaurant in Vancouver five years after immigrating to Canada.

“When I came to this country I realized this was a young country,” Vij told CTV News. “I realized if I worked hard, with honesty and with integrity, this country was going to give me the chance. And that’s what I wanted to achieve in my life in India.”

Vij said when he leased space to open his first restaurant, the landlord complained of the smell of curry in the building.

“I was really slow and I was having a hard time to pay the bills, so just to please him I told my mom and dad to make the curries at home and bring it down.”

Today, Vij runs two restaurants in British Columbia, manages a line of pre-packaged gourmet curries and has published two cookbooks.

“At the end of the day, my journey is not done,” he said. “I’m going to remain focused until the day I die.”

The survey also finds that more than two-thirds of Canada’s millionaires, like Vij, are self-made — meaning they built up their nest egg on their own.

“They are not inheriting the wealth. These are people who created the wealth who made their own wealth,” said Alan Desnoyers of BMO.

The study also revealed that women make up one-third of Canada’s affluent, up from 21 per cent three years ago. It also found that 40 per cent of women generated their own wealth.

Interestingly though, only one-third of the high net-worth women said they managed their own investments, compared to 59 per cent of men.

And education appeared to be a big indicator of wealth: eight in 10 of the Canadian millionaires said they had at least a university degree, including 46 per cent who had a graduate or professional degree.

Just 10 per cent had a technical, trade or apprenticeship degree, and just 9 per cent held only a high school diploma or less.

The online survey was conducted by Pollara between March 28 and April 11, 2013 and involved 305 Canadians with $1 million in assets.

King’s College London Opens first International Summer School in Delhi

June 10, 2013June 9, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Digital Learning

King’s College London has opened its first international Summer School in Delhi, following the successful launch of the university’s India 2013 programme in Mumbai earlier this year.

Classes are being held at Miranda House College, University of Delhi. Courses will cover nternational relations, international political economy and e-business. King’s is working with local partner Think Education to deliver the programme of courses.

The Delhi Summer School builds on King’s extensive connections in India’s capital – the university has strong academic ties with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a thriving alumni branch of nearly 250 professionals working in law, medicine, management, social sciences and education. King’s India Institute – one of the leading international centres for global engagement with contemporary India – now has an academic based in Delhi whose research focuses on the international politics of South Asia and Indian defence and security policy.

Scholarships will be available on each course of the Delhi Summer School for the best and brightest students to study at King’s College London Summer School in July and August. In addition to this, King’s will offer a scholarship for a member of staff from the host college to visit London and interact with King’s staff working on summer programmes.

Tayyeb Shah, Director of International Strategy at King’s College London, said: ‘This is a great day for King’s as we celebrate the opening of our first Summer School in Delhi.Like the popular original London programme, students can expect innovative, interactive teaching methods, faculty who are motivated by their enthusiasm for their subjects, teaching informed by cutting edge research and an opportunity to reflect on how to prepare for their future. A Summer School is a fantastic way to enrich your portfolio of skills and to get a head start in today’s globalised and fast-moving world. We are grateful to Miranda House College for hosting our courses and for the hard work that they have put in to make this happen.We have been delighted with the success of our tailor-made India programmes this year and the positive reaction from all our students. We hope to build on this success as we look to increase the range and scope of King’s activities and partnerships in India.”

CIEC Introduces Major Changes to CARE: Shortened & Inclusive Process, Decreased Fees, Free Application Pre-Screening

May 27, 2013April 21, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

The Canada India Education Council has opened Agent Membership (CARE) to education agents, advisors, and counselors. After receiving feedback from education agents, CIEC has introduced significant changes to CARE:

Decreased Membership and Application Fees
Application Fee
- Before: $525, Now: $225 (Sign up now and enjoy a FREE Pre-Screening)
Membership Fee
- Before: $1500 – $4500, Now: $999 for a 2-year period
Application Fee waived for agents applying between June 1^st 2013 – July 1^st2013
Membership Decision will be made upon receipt of the Application Form
Inclusive Process – Agents will not be tested on their compliance with CARE Standards (Voluntary Code of Ethics)
Process shortened from 4 – 6 months to 1 – 2 months
CIEC no longer conducting Site Visits or Staff Assessments
DFAIT training no longer mandatory
CIEC will organize an annual CARE Training Seminar in one or more major Indian cities

It is our hope that a more inclusive process will create a more immediate and widespread change in the student recruitment market. To get started please complete and send the Application Form (click here to download) to [email protected].

Benefits of Agent Membership (CARE) include:

Use of CARE logo and goodwill of the ‘CIEC’ brand
Display of CARE – Recognized Membership Certificate and Membership Statement
A listing in the bi-weekly CIEC online newsletter, ‘Disha,’ besides opportunities for marketing on the CIEC website, newsletter, events and e-mail campaigns distributed to 19 000 education stakeholders in both countries
Listed as a recognized CARE agent on CIEC’s website (with a dynamic profile linking to your services) and social networking platforms
Use of the CIEC Representative Office in Toronto to establish your presence in Canada. CIEC can also arrange face-to-face interviews at our member institutions
Exposure at our annual ‘Synergy’ blockbuster networking event. Includes a reduced registration fee and for agents arriving from India, free airport pick-up & a one-night free stay at the hotel
Greater visibility and recognition by CIEC member colleges and universities as well as governments in both Canada and India
Exclusive airport pick-up for your students (for a nominal fee)
Access to CIEC webinars, networking and training events
Access to Annual Training Seminar in one or more major Indian cities
Establish your reputation and promote your business through an advisory position on our ‘Student Discussion’ Facebook group / website forum
Personalized assistance & insights in growing your network of reputable Canadian institutions & on-the-ground support

For more information about membership benefits, please visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/care/benefits

The much-lauded CARE Initiative is designed to bring transparency to the agent sector in India by promoting the CARE Standards. CARE is supported by CIEC’s member institutions which includes Canadian Colleges & Universities and is poised to soon become the benchmark & establish standards for counselors and agents promoting Canadian education in India. Agent Membership (CARE) will be granted by the CIEC Executive Team in consultation with the impartial Membership Committee, comprised of academic experts representing 3 major Canadian Colleges.

CARE serves as a cost-effective way for education agents to gain exposure, establishing their credentials, and distinguishing themselves in the exciting Canada-India education corridor. Agents wishing to strategically position themselves in an increasingly fierce and competitive international environment are invited to become an CARE Recognized Member of the Canada India Education Council.

To get started please complete and send the Application Form (click here to download) to Gaurav Verma at [email protected].

We look forward to working with you and becoming a trusted partner as you guide students to quality post secondary institutions in Canada.

Regards,

Husain F. Neemuchwala Prof Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President & Vice Chancellor,
CEO – CIEC Carleton University
Academic Advisor – CIEC

New Chair enhances McGill ties to India

May 13, 2013May 24, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: McGill Reporter
Courtesy of Fawzia Madni

MONTREAL: McGill University and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have partnered in the creation of a new chair on India Studies. The agreement was signed recently during a visit to McGill by His Excellency Admiral (Retired) Nirmal Verma, High Commissioner of India to Canada.

The ICCR India Studies Chair will be held by distinguished Indian scholars who will serve as visiting professors at McGill’s Faculty of Arts. The ICCR Chairs will teach two courses, present an annual ICCR Lecture on India, and participate in seminars and other academic activities. The first chair-holder will be recruited for the 2013-2014 academic year.

“As the governments of Canada and Quebec seek to strengthen ties with India, McGill University welcomes the opportunity to contribute to education and research in the field of Indian culture and history,” said Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill. “This new chair strongly complements the partnerships that unite McGill faculty and their collaborators in India and will allow us to learn from each other for the benefit of both of our countries. We thank the ICCR for choosing to partner with McGill in this initiative.”

“I consider it a privilege that soon after my arrival, as the High Commissioner of India to Canada, we have inked the MOU for an India Chair between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and McGill University,” said His Excellency Verma. “Education presents a great opportunity for enhanced cooperation between India and Canada. The ICCR India Studies Chair that will be housed at McGill will not only promote greater understanding of India, it will also act as a catalyst for collaborative projects between McGill and higher institutions of learning and research in India”.

The ICCR India Studies Chair builds on longstanding research collaborations between McGill and partners in India on issues of concern to both nations, such as climate change and sustainable development, food and water security, health and social welfare, urban studies, and the advancement of nanotechnology, aerospace, and other key domains in science and industry.

McGill’s ties to India also include a strong presence of faculty members and students from India at the University. McGill has 400 students from India – making it the fourth-ranking country of origin for McGill’s international students –, more than 30 faculty members of Indian origin and a network of some 600 alumni in India.

About McGill University
Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, McGill is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 11 professional schools, 300 programs of study and some 38,000 students, including 8,800 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, with more than 7,700 international students making up 20 per cent of the student body. Almost half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including more than 6,700 with French as their first language. For more information about McGill University: http://www.mcgill.ca/

Speakers lining up for Synergy 2013

May 9, 2013May 13, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute’s upcoming President Shanthi Johnson will be speaking at this year’s event accompanied by 5 Canadian Members of Parliament. CIEC is still accepting proposals and we would love to hear from those interested in joining this esteemed line-up of speakers.

CIEC will be offering a 1-night free stay at the Hilton Garden Inn to delegates traveling from India as well as a special rate and complimentary airport pick up for ALL Synergy participants.

Click here to learn more, register, or submit a proposal.

CARE Now Overseen by the Distinguished Gaurav Verma

May 9, 2013April 21, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

CIEC welcomes Gaurav Verma, CIEC’s Project Coordinator, to the Executive Team. Gaurav is uniquely qualified to oversee CARE – CIEC’s Agent Membership category – contributing his vast experience of working with international students and in the Indian Agent market as well as valuable, active, working relations with over 40 ACCC colleges in Canada. Accredited to him is a unique method of working with the Sub Associate Network for the Indian Market keeping a student-centric approach to expand, generate, and maximize results. His knowledge of Education Management, International Student Recruitment, and Marketing has proven a valuable contribution to CIEC and will have a lasting effect on serving and assisting Canadian and Indian education stakeholders.

The much-lauded CARE Initiative is designed to bring transparency to the agent sector in India by promoting the CARE Standards. CARE is supported by CIEC’s member institutions, including Canadian Colleges & Universities, and is poised to soon become the benchmark in establishing standards for counselors and agents promoting Canadian education in India. CARE Recognition will be granted by an impartial and knowledgeable Membership Committee, comprised of academic experts representing 3 major Canadian Colleges as well as CIEC staff.

CARE serves as a cost-effective way for education agents to gain exposure, establish their credentials, and distinguish themselves in the exciting Canada-India education corridor. Agents wishing to strategically position themselves in an increasingly fierce and competitive international environment are invited to become an CARE Recognized Member of the Canada India Education Council.

For a full list of CARE benefits, click here.

You can contact Gaurav Verma at [email protected] to request an Application Form.

Online education growing in popularity, education expert says

May 7, 2013May 24, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Times of India

TIMES VIEW

The wave of the future

The observation by Curtis Uhelein, president of US-based Apollo Global, doesn’t come out of the blue. The trend towards online education is something that has been percolating through the world of higher education for a few years now. Given how new the format still is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, of course. It could mean anything from conventional education supplemented by online methods to online-only education; from material simply being made available online to interactive digital sessions. What is undeniable, though, is that it is good news for both students and educators.

Across the world, there are barriers to higher education. In developed countries, they may be economic or geographical. In developing nations like India, the obstacles are not only economic or geographical in nature but also bureaucratic — the biggest obstacle of all is simply a lack of supply. That is why, far from the popular impression of online education being viable only in the developed world, it is actually in countries like India where it can fulfill its potential. Internet penetration is growing at a steady pace in India — and unlike conventional education where physical infrastructure is a huge limiting factor, internet connectivity alone can enable millions of youth to access quality higher education online.

There is concrete proof that Indians are hungry for such opportunities. They form the second-largest group of people, by nationality, accessing two of the largest online education efforts — Coursera and edX. It’s not surprising, after all, that an Indian student would be interested in the quality courses these initiatives offer — or access Ivy League lectures online, or download podcasts by professors from top global universities, all of which are freely available. With the abysmal higher education situation in this country, online education frees them to seek what they want.

COUNTERVIEW

It can only be a poor cousin

Pyaralal Raghavan

The argument that education has become global and online teaching can ever compete with offline teaching is ludicrous. A global shift towards online education is a mirage that will remain elusive. Certainly online education has some merits. But it can never be a true substitute for real education that happens in a physical classroom. In the end online education is only a technologically spruced up variation of the correspondence courses, that have helped millions of the less fortunate students secure higher education degrees at low quality and minimal cost.

University and classroom education is simply superior not only because it enables face to face interaction between students and teachers but also because it proactively engages students in the learning process and exposes them to work in other related disciplines. Universities usually club together teaching and research. It is those with the best research and teaching skills who climb to the top of the system. So university students not only observe and learn from some of the best brains in the profession but also get access to world class libraries and laboratories. The best part of the brick and mortar universities is the peer group interactions which make it possible to build an ecosystem that ensures lifelong learning.

However, the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of online teaching is not just the unique attributes of the university system but poor infrastructure facilities in India like bandwidth, which is essential for extending online education. Typically, in developing countries like India, the quality of the limited broadband service available is too poor to smoothly stream visual images. The way that India’s telecom policy has been compromised makes it certain that online education will remain a poor and distant alternative.

Indian heads project to prove Einstein’s prediction

May 7, 2013May 7, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Times of India

LONDON: Albert Einstein’s 100-year-old theory of relativity may finally be proved in the next five years.

An Indian astronomer at the Observatories of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Pasadena is heading a global project which is poised to discover proof that space and time can wrinkle in the form of gravitational waves. These waves were predicted by Einstein but have never been seen.

Mansi M Kasliwal, originally from Indore ( Madhya Pradesh), told TOI from California that astronomers from India, Japan and the United States are jointly embarking on a hunt for gravitational waves starting with building one of the world’s most advanced interferometers in Louisiana, Italy to detect waves produced by black holes or hugely explosive events like merging neutron stars—similar to ripples from a stone thrown into a pond.

To measure the signals, an interferometric detector is required that can detect strain to a billionth of a nanometer for a kilometer-length interferometer.

Such extreme gravity events are also rare, occurring only once every 10,000 years per galaxy. Astronomers hope to detect these waves and once they pick up on those tiny fluctuations in space-time as they reach Earth, they’ll want to know where they originated.

She told TOI gravity is responsible for the “long range order of the universe”.

Kasliwal said “Using Einstein’s general relativity, we now think of gravity as the geometrical curvature of the four-dimensional fabric of space-time. Extreme cosmological events such as the merging of neutron stars or black holes induce ripples in the fabric of space-time. However, these ripples, or gravitational waves, are extremely weak, and their detection has remained elusive.”

She added an advanced version of such a detector is being designed to find gravitational waves on a regular basis (roughly tens of events annually) beginning in 2017.

US, UK, and Canada woo leisure travelers from India

April 30, 2013April 29, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Economic Times

Many Indian families will be visiting their kin in the US this summer; or parents will be visiting campuses where their children are studying. But the US commerce department, along with big tour operators in India, has been working towards making US an independent leisure destination for Indian tourists, rather than just visits to friends and relatives or VFR, as that segment is called.

“Following President Barack Obama’s tourism plan launched last year, we have initiated many business-to-business and people -to-people initiatives to make the US a friendlier destination for tourists from India. This includes simplification and fast-tracking of the visitor visa process and granting of multiple entry 10-year visas,” a senior official at the US embassy told ET Magazine.

Uncle Sam woos visitors

An interesting trend is that different states of the US are making efforts to woo Indian tourists independently. An example is Visit Florida, an organisation that opened an office in India recently and estimates that around 58,000 Indians travelled to Florida during 2012, which was a 16% increase over the previous year.

“India is one of the top source markets for us. We intend to showcase popular cities like Miami, Orlando, and Kennedy Space Center. We also plan to launch a Florida specialist programme for the travel trade,” says Tracy Vaughan, director, international sales and marketing of Visit Florida. Theme parks, beautiful beaches, endless entertainment, and culinary and shopping options are some of the reasons that make Florida an attractive travel proposition for Indian families.

Brand USA, the initiative to encourage international visits to the US and to grow its share of the global travel market, is set to launch a big campaign in India in to showcase, among other things, specific destinations such as Niagara Falls, Disneyland and California and Las Vegas.

Through its Visit USA Committee (Vusacom), the US government has been reaching out to tour operators, hoteliers, airlines and destination management companies in India. “The US has always been a big destination for business, education and visiting friends and relatives. But with the new initiatives, which were unveiled about 18 months ago, we have been seeing a growth in the segment of free and independent travellers too,” says Ashwini Kakkar, executive vice-chairman of Mercury Travels and chairman of Vusacom in India. These are people who are in the mid- to high-end range and can be differentiated from the kind of travellers who would go only to Bangkok or Dubai for shopping holidays. They are much bigger spenders, he adds .

According to Kakkar, the steps taken by the US government to simplify B1 and B2 visas — for tourist and business visitors — have given a boost to US-bound travel. Some 660,000 B1 and B2 visas were issued in India in fiscal year 2012. In 2013 there has been a 20% upswing over the previous year so far.

Being a sport

Like the US the UK, too, has been running campaigns in India to change the perception of the country to that of a leisure destination from one just for family visits.

“Last year, in the run up to the Olympic Games we had unveiled a huge promotional campaign. From India we are looking at sports tourism centred around football, cricket and other niche segments such as film tourism or visits to Bollywood-related locations,” says Keith Beecham, overseas network director, VisitBritain.

Specific regions of the UK, too, are working with Indian tour operators to attract bigger numbers of tourists from India. Wales, for instance, is hoping to see a large number of Indian visitors for the ICC Champions Trophy in June. “The tournament builds on Cardiff’s strong track record as a city that can host truly global sporting events and will guarantee fantastic entertainment for cricket fans,” first minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said.

“With global travel becoming an integral part of the Indian lifestyle, countries such as Canada, the US and the UK enjoy strong appeal. Theme parks are of great interest and have led to increased number of visitors to Disneyland. In the UK, major sights such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace are on most visitors’ itineraries,” says Vishal Suri, deputy COO tour operating, Kuoni India.

Another conventional destination, Canada, too, is seeing a shift from Indian travellers visiting friends and relatives to leisure travellers. Visitors in the VFR category are adding on vacations such as an Alaska cruise or an adventure trip to Canadian Rockies.

The state of British Columbia, which has a large population of people of Indian origin, is likely to see a growth of about 10% in the number of visitors from India in 2013. “The trend we are seeing is an increase in independent travellers. We are receiving requests for self-drive itineraries, which is great as BC is a very easy destination to enjoy by driving oneself,” says Clare Mason, manager, Destination British Columbia.

Commonwealth meet in Sri Lanka ‘accommodates evil’, Canada says

April 30, 2013April 28, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Times of India

LONDON: Canadian foreign minister John Baird has condemned the decision to allow Sri Lanka to host the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in November as “accommodating evil”.

Baird spoke out after his Commonwealth counterparts in London on Friday agreed to press ahead with the meeting despite strong criticism over Colombo’s human rights record.

“We’re appalled that Sri Lanka seems poised to host CHOGM and to be chair-in-residence of the Commonwealth for two years,” the Canadian minister told Guardian newspaper late Friday.

“Canada didn’t get involved in the Commonwealth to accommodate evil; we came to combat it. We are deeply disappointed that Sri Lanka appears poised to take on this leadership role.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said Canada will boycott the November 15-17 meeting unless Sri Lanka investigates suspected war crimes including the alleged indiscriminate killing of civilians by government troops in the climax of the civil war in 2009.

Commonwealth secretary-general Kamalesh Sharma said Sri Lanka had not been on the formal agenda at Friday’s talks but said it had been discussed, and there was no opposition to November’s meeting being held in that country.

It was a “collective decision”, he told a press conference afterwards, adding: “No member of government has indicated remotely that it wishes to change the venue.”

Sharma said the Commonwealth was working with President Mahinda Rajapakse’s regime to address international concerns.

And he said he believed Colombo subscribed to the principles of human rights, democracy and rule of law laid out in the Commonwealth charter signed by Queen Elizabeth II last month.

“All member states subscribe to the same principles and values equally,” he said.

“Interacting with them on many fronts — as I have been doing at all levels — I am fully persuaded that they are sincere in subscribing and following those values.”

Samsung to start manufacturing Galaxy S4 in India soon

April 28, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Hindu Business Line

New Delhi, April 28: Samsung India today said it will soon start manufacturing its flagship high-end smartphone Galaxy S4 in India.

“We are planning to start manufacturing of S4 soon at our Noida facility,” Samsung Mobile and Digital Imaging Country Head Vineet Taneja told PTI.

He, however, refused to share any timeframe by when the production will start. The Noida facility is manufacturing about 35-40 million phones annually, including 12 smartphones such as Galaxy S3.

The company currently imports the recently launched Galaxy S4 from South Korea.

Sensing huge demand for Galaxy S4, the company is also looking to double the high-end smartphone (above Rs 20,000) market size in India, which is currently contributing around 10-12 per cent of the overall smartphone market.

The Galaxy S4, which is packed with newer imaging features as well as ‘gesture-control’ technology, has a five-inch full HD super AMOLED touchscreen, 13 mega pixel rear and 2 mega pixel front camera and supports 3G networks.

Although Samsung is the market leader in smartphone market in India, competition from Apple, BlackBerry and Nokia has put pressure on it to add new software features to maintain its lead.

According to research firm IDC, the overall mobile phone market in India reached about 218 million units in 2012, growing 16 per cent year-on-year.

Of this, 16.3 million units were smartphones, but the category saw a growth of about 48 per cent. Samsung was the leader in the quadcore and 5-inch plus screen size models, IDC added.

The demand for smartphones is expected to be around 34-36 million units this year.

Globally, Samsung had 30.3 per cent share of the smartphone market (with sales of 215.8 million units) in 2012, while Apple had a 19.1 per cent share with sales of 135.9 million units, according to IDC.

Canadian Food Festival at Taj Mahal Palace

April 21, 2013April 22, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

By Sparsh Sharma for the Government of Canada

A “Sugar Shack” Experience

The Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai, in partnership with the Taj Mahal Palace, presents the Canadian Food Festival from March 22nd to March 30th, 2013.

Mumbaikars will have the chance to feast on Canadian delicacies with a sweet twist at the Shamiana restaurant. The menu is inspired by the Canadian sugar shacks where maple sap is collected in March and boiled into syrup, toffee and more.

Overseeing the creation of these delights is Chef Louis Charest, Executive Chef to the Governor General of Canada, who has come directly from Canada to prepare sumptuous meals using authentic Canadian ingredients.

On arriving in Mumbai, Chef Charest said “I am excited to share the Canadian sugar shack experience with Mumbaikars. These flavours will serve as an inspiration to display great Canadian cuisine and amazing Canadian products with a fun mix of Indian spices.”

Chef Charest brings the Canadian Sugar Shack dining experience to life through old-time specialties like maple taffy on snow, split pea soup, poutine, maple baked ham, tourtière, and mouth-watering maple desserts.

Following on the success of last year’s Atlantic Canadian Seafood Festival, there will also be a delicious spread of the freshest Canadian seafood, including lobster, scallops, crab, halibut and more. By pairing these delicacies with organic Canadian wines from British Columbia, including dessert wine, and modern Canadian cocktails, the festival is a food lover’s dream come true!

To further capture the true feeling of a Canadian sugar shack, Shamiana is hosting a traditional musical performance at the Sunday Sugar Shack Brunch on March 24th. Mario LeBreton and Philippe LeBlanc will entertain with toe-tapping classics and original music that will transport listeners to a traditional Eastern Canadian party.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency have worked with Canadian suppliers to ensure that only the finest Canadian products are being delivered straight from Canada to your plate during the entire festival. The Canadian Food Festival will be the opportunity to see new Canadian products not yet available in the Indian market.

Canada’s Consul General in Mumbai, Mr. Richard Bale said “Canada has high-quality agricultural products to share with India and this event will give a unique opportunity for Mumbai to taste Canada’s diverse and top-quality products. Canada is already providing pulses, canola oil, fish and seafood, specialty and fine foods, sauces and seasonings, wines, spirits, ice wine, bakery, confectionery, and snacks to the Indian market, and we look forward to new products being available in the marketplace in the near future.”

Background

In his role as Executive Chef to Canada’s head of state, Chef Charest has catered for high-ranking officials, prime ministers, dignitaries, royalty and world leaders including their Royal Highnesses, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburg, and now Chef Charest is cooking for Mumbai!

Chef Charest’s pride in showcasing his talent has been rewarded with 14 gold medals, 3 trophies, 4 grand gold medals, 1 World Cup, 4 silver medals and 3 bronze medals. This has included winning gold at the famed New York Culinary Salon, representing Canada in the World Banqueting Competition at the World Championships, winning an individual silver medal at the World Culinary Olympics in Berlin, Germany, in 1996, and earning five gold medals at the Culinary Grand Prix in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2001.

Strategic Partners shines spotlight on India and the United Kingdom at 16th annual event, Sept. 12-15 in Halifax

April 21, 2013April 21, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

By Sparsh Sharma

Strategic Partners, one of the world’s top co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction, shines the spotlight on India and for the second year in row, the United Kingdom at the 16th annual event, September 12-15 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

“Strategic Partners’ spotlight on India and the UK is timely,” said Laura Mackenzie, Director, Strategic Partners. “Momentum continues to build in the number of Canadian and International producers looking to collaborate with India and the UK is a natural co-spotlight given their experience in successfully capitalizing on their co-pro treaty with India many times.

Offering an intimate, organized forum for projects seeking financing, as well as those at an early stage – looking for the right partner, Strategic Partners’ linear program is designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities – all under one roof.

“Strategic Partners held a soft focus on India to introduce a small number of India producers and officials to the event. This has already contributed to a Canadian film shot in India” added Mackenzie.

The deadline for the Strategic Partners’ call for producer applications and industry registrations is June 28. Application/Registration forms are now available online.

Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering close to 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions, Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.

“It was at Strategic Partners that we were introduced to producer, Karen Shaw’s project Khoya in 2012. It’s an interesting project and given our experience in International productions, we came onboard instantly,” said Guneet Monga, producer, Sikhya Entertainment, India (Gangs of Wasseypur, Peddlers.)

“Guneet Monga and I connected during our participation in Trans Atlantic Partners, and further cemented the relationship at Strategic Partners,” said Karen Shaw, producer, Quarterlife Crisis Productions, Canada (Khoya, The Good Fence). “Khoya was shot in India, where we worked with Guneet, and the film is now in post production.”

About Strategic Partners: An International Film, Television and Multiplatform Co-Production Market

The Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners is one of the world’s pre-eminent co-production/co-financing markets focusing on feature film, TV and multiplatform fiction. Strategic Partners offers an intimate, organized forum for projects looking for financing as well as those still at an early stage – looking for the right partner. It is a linear program designed to provide unparalleled access to international co-production possibilities – all under one roof, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Film Festival and the vibrant, coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Top Canadian and international industry players are selected to attend, including producers, investors, sales agents, funding agencies, broadcasters and distributors. Offering over 1000 pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings, coproduction focused roundtable sessions, cutting edge panels, visionary keynote speakers, screenings and receptions; Strategic Partners is a convergence of talent and innovation, producing tangible results.

Strategic Partners is a part of the Atlantic Film Festival family of programs. Today’s Atlantic Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include: ViewFinders, alFresco filmFesto, Strategic Partners and Music & Image.

Receive the most up-to-date information about Strategic Partners and the Atlantic Film Festival, including sneak peaks and festival highlights on their website, Facebook page, on Twitter, and on Youtube.

Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs attends Armenian Presidential Inauguration

April 9, 2013May 3, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be attending the inauguration of Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia, on April 9, 2013 where he will convey congratulations on behalf of Prime Minister Harper and Canada.

The Parliamentary Secretary will also meet with the Armenian Foreign Minister to congratulate Armenia on the successful membership bid to La Francophonie and express hope for working closely with Armenia on Canada’s priority themes within this body. These themes include children and youth, equality between women and men, and sustainable economic growth among members.

Mr. Obhrai will also take the opportunity to reiterate Canada’s strong support for the efforts by Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations and address historical differences.