BC – Canada India Education Council

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

February 11, 2014February 10, 2014CIEC Author

Source: BCIT News Release | February 3, 2014

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

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

SFU Joins Ryerson and Bombay Stock Exchange Incubator Partnership

January 29, 2014January 30, 2014CIEC Author

Source: SFU News Release | January 22, 2014

Simon Fraser University (CIEC Academic Member) has joined the entrepreneurial incubator initiative established last year by Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone and the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute. The BSEI–Ryerson–SFU Accelerator Program India is a 5-year agreement that allows for collaboration in several areas, including “accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative research and new technologies in India and Canada and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship education, training and development.” Through the agreement, start-ups will gain financial support and mentorship opportunities and students will be able to take advantage of internships and co-op positions. “We are excited to partner in this ground-breaking initiative which will benefit young entrepreneurs and their innovations in both Canada and India,” said SFU President Andrew Petter.

TCS Insights: By working together with the BSEI and Ryerson University, SFU joins a group with the goal of making research faster to do and easier to distribute. With different positions available to students, this group will allow students on opposite sides of the world to expand their minds through work, while providing mentoring and financial backing.

Kwantlen Opens BC’s First Teaching Brewery

January 25, 2014January 25, 2014CIEC Author

Source: KPU News Release via Academica | January 9, 2014

Kwantlen Polytechnic University [CIEC Member] has opened a teaching brewery at its Langley campus to offer British Columbia’s first science of brewing program. “Along with practical hands-on training, we’ll be giving students a solid background in the science behind brewing craft beer, including the chemistry and microbiology involved in the process,” says KPU Science and Horticulture Dean Elizabeth Worobec. “It’s this much-needed expertise that graduates will bring to the province’s brewing industry.” The program’s first 35 students will start in September. According to the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, the province’s micro-brewing industry has grown by more than 20% per year since 2006.

TCS Insights: KPU is proving to be a leader as serve the first brewery program. By providing students with the proper scientific background along with training, the institution will be beneficial to the province of British Columbia while helping students find jobs in an emerging industry.

SFU President’s Trip to India Sparks Entrepreneurship, Clean Energy Partnerships

January 24, 2014February 19, 2014Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Simon Fraser University Media Release

Contact: Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.9017/604.209.5770; [email protected]

Simon Fraser University (CIEC Academic Member) President Andrew Petter recently visited India to advance relationships and forge new partnerships with academia, industry and government, resulting in collaborations with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute, Indian Oil Corporation and IIT Bombay.

SFU has joined with Ryerson University to develop a groundbreaking incubator and associated accelerator program in India in collaboration with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute (BSEI).

The BSEI-Ryerson Digital Media Zone was established in July 2013 and this week SFU signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ryerson and BSEI to collaborate on its further development.

The incubator will enable entrepreneurs to fast track their startups and connect with mentors, customers and investors. It lays the groundwork to help young entrepreneurs expand in both the Indian and Canadian markets and provides support and resources for entrepreneurship and professional development education.

The BSEI–Ryerson–SFU Accelerator Program India, a five-year agreement between Ryerson, Ryerson Futures Inc., SFU and SF Univentures calls for collaboration on a number of fronts, including accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative research and new technologies in India and Canada and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship education, training and development.

The partnership is an example of how SFU is advancing its activities in India with university and industry partners, says SFU President Andrew Petter, who was in India Jan. 18-24 with SFU V-P Research Mario Pinto and V-P External Relations Philip Steenkamp.

“We are excited to partner in this ground-breaking initiative which will benefit young entrepreneurs and their innovations in both Canada and India,” said Petter. “Supporting student entrepreneurship is an important part of our commitment to being Canada’s ’engaged university.’ This unique partnership with the BSEI and Ryerson University will help us extend that commitment both nationally and internationally.”

“Ryerson looks forward to working with Simon Fraser University and continuing to generate opportunities for young Indian and Canadian entrepreneurs,” said Mohamed Lachemi, Provost and Vice President Academic of Ryerson. “We are bringing a successful model to India, and with this collaboration with Simon Fraser University, we can provide even more resources to fast track innovative research and help train and develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

SFU’s involvement will also spawn new global opportunities for SF Univentures Corporation and other initiatives, through the support of student mobility initiatives and program delivery as well as accelerator and angel funding projects, adds SFU V-P Research Mario Pinto.

“The signing of this LOI exemplifies SFU’s innovation strategy, in which community partners are engaged with our students and faculty entrepreneurs at the outset, to provide an informed view of the requirements of the real world,” said Pinto.

B.C. Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk said: “Partnerships between industry, employers and post-secondary institutions are important in today’s global marketplace. Strengthening ties between British Columbia and India with this agreement supports skills and competencies in entrepreneurship that are critical for social and economic success.”

SFU has developed a wide range of student incubation and innovation programs that encourage and support its student entrepreneurs. Its Venture Connection program, in partnership with Coast Capital Savings, is one of the first university early-stage incubator programs in B.C. The program offers SFU students and recent alumni support for their ventures through an early-stage business incubator, mentorship, co-op and other avenues and since 2008 has engaged over 3,100 students, contributing to more than 120 early-stage startups.

Among additional sources of support for the program are Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), the BC Innovation Council, the Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Discovery Foundation and the John Dobson Foundation.

With a suite of existing and new entrepreneurial programs, including the Beedie School of Business RADIUS Social Innovation Lab, SFU is positioned to substantially contribute to the program.

Meanwhile, SFU and India’s flagship national oil company, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Ltd, have laid the groundwork to collaborate on hydrogen and fuel cell technology research.

SFU President Petter signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) with IOC’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. R.K. Malhotra in New Delhi, with B.C. government representatives in attendance.

“SFU researchers have much to contribute and gain through this relationship,” said Petter. “SFU is internationally recognized for its expertise in fuel cell technology. Collaborating on research with IOC will provide greater opportunities for our faculty members and students to advance the field globally.”

Dr. Malhotra said: “Indian Oil recognizes and values the global lead role which British Columbia is taking in the fuel cell developments and its commercialization. The collaboration with Simon Fraser University would help Indian Oil to get the benefit of their expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell research. The intended collaborative research will help further the development and optimization of fuel cell technology and cut down the cost.”

The relationship developed as a result of Dr. Malhotra’s visit to B.C. last June as a keynote speaker at the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association conference. During his visit he expressed interest in developing research collaborations with B.C. focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

“We are deepening relationships in key sectors such as clean technology to increase trade and investment between British Columbia and India,” said Teresa Wat, B.C.’s Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism. “Connecting world-leading institutions such as SFU with a company such as Indian Oil will boost research and commercialization, attract new investment, and create and protect jobs for British Columbians.”

The collaboration will facilitate the sharing of expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell research and enable exchanges for SFU faculty and students to work in IOC’s world-class R&D facility, while providing IOC researchers access to SFU facilities.

It could also lead to the creation of a joint research centre in hydrogen and fuel cell technology at IOC’s Faridabad site.

The university also announced it has entered into an MOU with one of India’s premier institutions of science and engineering, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), which will foster research collaborations on clean energy projects as well as graduate student exchanges.

Simon Fraser University is consistently ranked among Canada’s top comprehensive universities and is one of the top 50 universities in the world under 50 years old. With campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey, B.C., SFU engages actively with the community in its research and teaching, delivers almost 150 programs to more than 30,000 students, and has more than 125,000 alumni in 130 countries.

Simon Fraser University: Engaging Students. Engaging Research. Engaging Communities.

Research Infrastructure Receives $63-million Boost From the Government of Canada

January 11, 2014January 11, 2014CIEC Author

Source: CFI News Release, Courtesy of Academica | January 8, 2014

The Canadian government has announced a $63-million boost for research infrastructure under the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund. Currently, the fund is contributing to research equipment, laboratories and tools at over 250 facilities at 37 universities across Canada. “Our government believes significant investments in Canadian research are essential to sparking innovation, creating economic prosperity and improving the lives of Canadians,” says Minister of State (Science and Technology) Greg Rickford.

TCS Insights: The CFI awarded $48.4 million through their John R. Evans Leaders Fund in order to help Canadian universities attract top available research talent. This increase in funding will enable researchers, such as Ryan D’Arcy of Simon Fraser University, make use of portable technologies at sporting events, hospitals and homes.

Canada Announces $43 Million in NSERC Grants

January 10, 2014January 11, 2014CIEC Author

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

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

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

Acsenda School of Management

January 10, 2014March 29, 2016CIEC Author

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

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British Columbia Institute of Technology

January 1, 2014July 20, 2016CIEC Author

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

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Capilano University

May 5, 2013March 29, 2016Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

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

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International students enjoy new learning experiences at local high schools

April 1, 2013March 11, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Vancouver Sun

Henry Luan came to Vancouver from China in 2011 looking for a western high school experience, and a chance to go to university in Canada.

The Grade 10 student is among thousands of international students who have arrived in the Lower Mainland during the past decade. But many face an immediate and significant challenge — they speak little or no English, which makes it a struggle for them to communicate and fit in.

Many of these students have trouble with course material and often graduate late from high school. The language barrier also makes it harder to get into university, leading to more stress and pressure.

“When I first came here, I was trying to talk to people, but they didn’t understand what I was saying. It was awkward and I felt so bad,” says Luan.

Even after two years at University Hill Secondary School, he still has difficulties today. “You know you [understand] a lot more than you can actually express, and it is frustrating,” he said.

Joanne Park is a Grade 11 student at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey. But if she had remained in Korea, she would already be in Grade 12.

In order to earn enough credits and learn English, Park has had to push her graduation off a year. Still, she is uncertain if this decision will give her a better chance of getting into university. It is even more frustrating because all of her friends will be graduating this year.

There is help available to such students within the school system.

If international students’ English-language skills are inadequate for regular English courses, they are put into English as a Second Language/English Language Learners (ESL/ELL) classes.

In B.C., students need at least 80 course credits to graduate from high school. That creates a problem because students cannot earn credits from ESL classes.

On top of that, in order to graduate, students must also have credits for English 10, 11, and 12, as well as provincial exam marks for English 10 and 12.

“Everyone wants to graduate on time, so they rush through our ELL programs,” explains Gleneagle Secondary’s head counsellor Bindy Johal.

She sees many international students drop English 10 because of failing marks, but that makes graduating on time even harder.

Some try to earn these credits in other ways, such as taking online courses.

Johal doesn’t believe that is a good idea. Online courses lack the “face-to-face” element that is important when learning English, she said.

Iqbal Gill, a counselor at University Hill Secondary, said it is expensive for international students to study in Canada, and parents are unwilling to accept that their children will not graduate on time.

Gill said that students are being sent to Vancouver at younger ages to have more time to learn language skills. But this can be a double-edged sword, since it is harder for younger children to be away from parents, she says.

“There are times when I see (young international students) struggling, and it would be really nice if they could be with their families,” said Gill.

Another challenge is that international students’ proficiency in English also affects their mark in other classes. They understand the concepts behind math and science courses, but the language barrier brings their marks down. This also pulls down their admission average for universities.

Park has had to retake Biology 11 after failing last semester because she did not understand many questions.

International students who want to enter university must also meet specific English requirements. Not only do they have to complete English proficiency entrance exams, they need a minimum grade in their English classes. For example, the University of B.C. sets its admission minimum at 70 per cent for English 11 or 12 courses, while at Simon Fraser University the minimum is 60 per cent.

The ESL courses and outside tutoring that many international students sign up for also take away from time that could be spent on other subjects.

Luan, who is interested in computer sciences, could not take the electives he wanted during his first year because he was enrolled in four ESL classes.

Due to the intense focus on improving their English, many international students also miss out on extra-curricular activities, something that universities look for in admissions.

Park said that because of tutoring sessions, she no longer has time for volunteering or sports.

Faced with these pressures, counsellors say students need to accept that it is going to take extra time to learn the language.

Students should not be pressurized to rush their education, and are welcome to stay longer than usual in high school, said Johal.

Youmy Han is a Grade 12 student at Gleneagle Secondary School

New trade and investment office to boost Indo-Canadian ties

December 22, 2012January 4, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Economic Times via Indian Economic Business News

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

Canadian province eyes 10-fold jump in trade

December 22, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Economic Times via Indian Economic Business News

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

British Columbia opens two new offices in India

December 14, 2012March 11, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Connect – Canada in India

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

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

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

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

September 17, 2012August 31, 2020CIEC Author

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

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

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

Contact Information

E-mail
[email protected]

Phone
604-599-2866

Website
KPU.ca

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Langara College

September 17, 2012March 29, 2016CIEC Author

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

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Simon Fraser University

September 7, 2012September 15, 2016CIEC Author

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

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