In Budget 2011, the Government of Canada announced funding for the development and implementation of an international education strategy that will reinforce Canada as a country of choice to study and conduct world-class research. The budget also called for the establishment of an advisory panel reporting to the Ministers of International Trade and Finance to make recommendations on the strategy and to set out the contributions of all partners.

An Advisory Panel was named on October 13, 2011 to provide guidance and direction for the development, implementation and evaluation of an International Education Strategy for Canada. The panel will advise on a range of issues and make recommendations for the post-secondary international education sector.

Mandate

The mandate of the Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy is to make recommendations on the strategy that will maximise economic opportunities for Canada in the field of international education, including strengthening our engagement with emerging key markets, focussing on attracting the best/brightest international students, expanding the delivery of Canadian education services abroad, and building, expanding and ensuring greater partnerships between Canadian and foreign institutions.

Membership

The members of the Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy have been selected based on their expertise, experience and a sound understanding of education in Canada and international education marketing in general.

The panel is comprised of the following members:

• Amit Chakma, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Ontario (Panel Chair)
• André Bisson, Chair of the Board, Centre for Interuniversity Research and Analysis of Organizations, lead director, Transat A.T. and Chancellor Emeritus, Université de Montréal
• Jacynthe Côté, President and CEO, Rio Tinto Alcan
• Colin Dodds, President, Saint Mary’s University
• Lorna Smith, Director, Office of International Education, Mount Royal University
• Don Wright, President, British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Consultations

In the Fall of 2011, the panel will begin a national consultation process to gather views from partners and stakeholders. Additional information on the consultation process will be shared when available.

To support the work of the Advisory Panel, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has launched an online consultation process seeking stakeholder perspectives and feedback on key areas of interest for Canada’s International Education Strategy. To share your views, please download the consultation form (PDF * – 454 KB), enter and save your responses, and submit your completed form by email to edustrat@international.gc.ca prior to Monday, November 21, 2011. If you have any further questions about this consultation process, please do not hesitate to contact the Advisory Panel Secretariat at the above email address.

Contact Us

Questions and comments can be directed to the Advisory Panel Secretariat at edustrat@international.gc.ca.

Read the full press release on the international.gc.ca website, “Stronger Ties with World’s Best and Brightest in Priority Markets: Goal of International Education Strategy“

REGULATORY COOPERATION COUNCIL

Canada and the United States are two of the most integrated economies in the world. This commercial relationship, which supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border, is essential to the prosperity of both countries.

The Prime Minister and President have announced the creation of a Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC). This Council commits both countries to finding ways to reduce and prevent regulatory barriers to cross-border trade, because simplifying rules and reducing red tape lead to lower costs for business and consumers, and ultimately to more jobs.

The two leaders believe that the citizens of both countries deserve smarter, more effective approaches to regulation that enhance economic competitiveness, while maintaining high standards of public heath and safety, and protecting the environment.

The establishment of the Regulatory Cooperation Council in no way diminishes the sovereignty of Canada or the U.S., with each government continuing to carry out its regulatory functions according to its domestic legal and policy requirements.

Canada and the US have a strong record of achievement in regulatory cooperation on which to build. Some of these achievements include:

• In October 2010, Canada announced final regulations, aligned with those in the United States, which imposed more stringent greenhouse gas emission standards for new passenger automobiles and light trucks, thereby making emissions from 2016 model vehicles about 25 per cent lower than those sold in Canada in 2008.
• By September 2011, a harmonized standard for electronic stabilization systems in light-duty vehicles will be in place, enhancing safety and significantly reducing the risk of collisions.
• In June 2009, Canada and the U.S. recognized as equivalent each other’s national organic systems, thereby facilitating bilateral trade in certified organic products.

In addition to building on past cooperation, the Regulatory Cooperation Council could focus on new sectors, such as nanotechnology, where regulatory policy in both countries is at an early stage.

Department of Finance Consultation on Official Development Assistance, 2010

The consultation is a requirement under the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act for all federal departments and agencies with foreign aid responsibilities. The feedback from the consultation will help make future assistance more effective by providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the Department’s contribution to global poverty reduction, its consideration of the perspectives of those who live in poverty, and its adherence to international standards on human rights.

The consultation seeks comments on the Department’s:

• bilateral and multilateral debt relief and arrears clearance;
• contributions to the International Development Association of the World Bank;
• new approaches to supporting long-term food security and small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries; and
• financing of international climate change initiatives.

The consultation is open to all interested parties, including governmental and non-governmental organizations and international agencies.

The consultation will run until February 18, 2011. Further information can be found in the related document above.

____________________________________
For further information, media may contact:

Annette Robertson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

Government of Canada Launches a Review of the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution

OTTAWA, July 20, 2010 – The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a review of the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution, which will include consultations with individuals and organizations interested in Canadian books.

“As the digital world creates new opportunities for Canadians to discover and connect with Canadian-authored books, it is critical that we foster innovation, efficiency, and healthy competition in Canada’s book industry,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government demonstrated its commitment to the future of Canadian-authored books in 2009, when we renewed funding over five years to help the Canadian-owned book industry keep pace in a changing environment. The review announced today seeks to ensure that Canada’s foreign investment policy for the book sector reflects new realities and supports our goal of ensuring that readers everywhere have access to a wide range of Canadian-authored books.”

Since the current policy was introduced in 1985 and revised in 1992, a number of developments–including the proliferation of digital technologies, consolidation of ownership, and increased globalization–have altered Canada’s landscape for both the book industry and consumers.

The Competition Policy Review Panel’s final report highlighted the importance of reviewing cultural policies in light of the changing context in which they operate, while recognizing the unique nature of the cultural sector. The policy review announced today is yet another example of this Government’s commitment to deliver on the Panel’s recommendations.

The online consultations, which begin today and close on September 18, 2010, will seek Canadians’ feedback on the impacts of the policy to date and on how best to meet its objectives going forward. Further details about the key themes being considered can be found in a discussion paper posted on the consultation website. For more information on the review and on how to participate in the consultation, visit www.pch.gc.ca/bookconsultation.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

VANCOUVER, B.C. — May 21, 2010 – Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, announced that the Government of Canada will regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Canada’s regulations will be aligned with those of the United States.

“Canada and the United States had great success in establishing common standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from passenger automobiles and light trucks,” said Minister Prentice. “Building on our strong working relationship with the Obama administration, we are taking the next logical step by addressing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.”

Environment Canada will develop proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles. Over the coming months, the Government will be working with the heavy-duty trucking industry, including manufacturers and users, to develop these regulations. A consultation draft of the regulations is expected to be available for comment from industry, stakeholders and the public in the fall of 2010. The final regulations will be implemented between the 2014 and 2018 model year.

In Canada, the transportation sector accounts for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy-duty vehicles account for about 6 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Reducing emissions in this sector will help us achieve our 2020 target of a 17 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels.

Related Document:

Canada’s Clean Automotive Success Story
[Backgrounder]

Environment Minister Announces Public Consultation on the Import and Export of Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials

OTTAWA, Ont. – April 19, 2010 – Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced today the start of a public consultation period that begins the process of updating Canada’s regulatory framework for the transboundary movement of waste and hazardous recyclable materials. Environment Canada posted a discussion paper online that interested stakeholders and Canadians can comment on until June 14, 2010.

“I am very pleased that Environment Canada is set to strengthen its regulatory framework for the export and import of all waste, including e-waste, and hazardous recyclable materials,” said Minister Prentice. “This consultation process is the first step in streamlining some of Canada’s regulations and ensuring that our practices are harmonized with international standards and agreements.”

The Government of Canada is updating three existing regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), to ensure greater protection of the health and environment of Canadians and of other countries, improve policy alignment with international agreements, and add clarity to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulations.

The regulations to be updated are the Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations, 2005, the Interprovincial Movement of Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2002, and the. The new regulatory framework will ensure that electrical and electronic equipment (commonly referred to as e-waste), being exported or imported for disposal, recycling or reuse is managed in an environmentally sound manner. It will strengthen the implementation of Canada’s international commitments to control the movement of waste, particularly under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989), ratified by Canada in 1992. The regulatory update will also improve the enforceability of the regulations while reducing administrative and paperwork burden on stakeholders.

The Discussion Paper is posted for public comment on the Environment Canada’s web site, at http://www.ec.gc.ca/gdd-mw/default.asp?lang=En&n=C6D17E79-1

• Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Science and Technology

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, and Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of Energy, signed the Declaration of Intent (DOI) for Cooperation in Energy Science and Technology. The DOI provides a formal structure for collaborative activities between the two countries focused initially on expanded research and development in bioenergy and carbon capture and storage.

“Canada, in partnership with the United States, is investing in research and development on new clean energy technologies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a low-carbon economy,” said Minister Paradis. “We are working together, under the Clean Energy Dialogue, to ensure economic competitiveness includes leadership on the environment.”

The DOI was highlighted under the Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue Action Plan put forth by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in September 2009. It will facilitate the sharing of resources and the exchange of technical information on research and development activities related to bioenergy and carbon capture and storage.

The DOI will benefit a number of collaborative projects between Canada and the U.S. For example, it will facilitate the advancement of the North American Carbon Atlas Project, which is developing a common approach to mapping geological areas in North America that could be suitable for carbon capture and storage. It will support research into the productivity and harvesting methods of algae and its ability to produce biofuels. The DOI will also allow for further development of new coal gasification technology to reduce emissions from the production of coal.

The DOI was signed following the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, where ministers from countries in North and South America gathered to discuss strengthening energy security, promoting alternative energy resources and acting together to address the effects of global climate change.

PASSPORT CANADA INVITES CANADIANS TO HAVE THEIR SAY

Gatineau, April 7, 2010 – Passport Canada is asking Canadians to provide input on service improvements through public online consultations. Canadians can fill out a short online questionnaire available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca/consultations .

These consultations are taking place at an important moment in Passport Canada’s history. In 2012, Canada will begin issuing electronic passports, or ePassports, to all its citizens. The use of ePassports will allow Canada to follow international standards in the field of passport security to protect our borders and maintain the ease of international travel that Canadians currently enjoy. At the same time, Passport Canada will start offering the option of a 10-year validity period as well as the current 5-year validity period.

The adoption of this enhanced, more secure passport, as well as other possible service improvements, may result in a modified fee structure. In light of these upcoming changes, Passport Canada must consult Canadians under the User Fees Act .

To this end, Passport Canada’s online questionnaire will allow Canadians to have their say on all aspects of passport services. The input received will help Passport Canada craft a new service and fee proposal. Passport Canada’s goal is to make sure the cost of the ePassport is as low as possible.

The Canadian passport is the most reliable travel document for Canadian citizens and the only proof of your nationality and identity that is accepted in all countries. The introduction of the more secure ePassport and other changes will provide a document that benefits all Canadians by protecting the security of Canada. For more information, please visit www.passportcanada.gc.ca .

CANADA TABLES FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COLOMBIA

Engaging in a dynamic emerging market of 45 million people and an economy with high growth potential

(No. 98 – March 10, 2010 – 3:45 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today followed through on a commitment made in last week’s Speech from the Throne by tabling legislation to implement the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. At the same time, the government is also tabling parallel labour and environment agreements with Colombia.

“International trade is critical to our economic recovery,” said Minister Van Loan. “As we move beyond stimulus spending and diversify opportunities for Canadian business abroad, this free trade agreement will help Canadians prosper. At this time of global economic recovery, Canadians can count on our government to oppose protectionism and defend free and open trade on the world stage. Canadian businesses and workers can compete with the best in the world, and this agreement will help them do it.”

The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will provide greater market access for Canadian exporters of goods such as wheat, pulses, barley, paper products and heavy equipment. An increasing number of Canadian investors and exporters are entering the Colombian market, and it is also a strategic destination for Canadian direct investment, especially in mining, oil exploration, printing and education.

“The Free Trade Agreement, along with its parallel agreements on labour and the environment, is but one of several Government of Canada instruments that support Colombia’s efforts toward greater peace, security and prosperity,” said Minister Van Loan.

Under the Labour Cooperation Agreement, Canada and Colombia agree to respect and enforce internationally recognized labour standards and principles, such as freedom of association, the right to bargain collectively, and the elimination of child labour, forced labour and workplace discrimination. The Agreement on the Environment commits Canada and Colombia to pursuing high levels of environmental protection as the two countries intensify their commercial relationship, and to avoid weakening their environmental laws to encourage trade or investment.

This free trade agreement is part of a broader international trade strategy to improve Canadian companies’ access to key international markets and to enhance opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors. Canada has free trade agreements in force with Chile, Costa Rica, the European Free Trade Association countries, Israel, Peru, and Mexico and the United States together. It has concluded free trade negotiations with Jordan and Panama. Canada is continuing trade talks with the Caribbean Community, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the European Union, India and the Republic of Korea.

Consultations on Possible Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Ukraine

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of a possible free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and Ukraine.

This notice is part of the Government of Canada’s domestic consultation process with business, citizen-based organizations and individual Canadians, as well as with provincial and territorial governments, to obtain advice and views on priorities, objectives and concerns to help outline the parameters of this initiative.

For information about this initiative with the Ukraine and the consultations, please see the Canada Gazette Notice of October 31, 2009, as well as the additional background information.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views. Please be advised that any information received as a result of this consultation will be considered as public information, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

http://www.international.gc.ca/consultations/active/index.aspx?lang=eng#Ukraine

Contributions can be sent by e-mail, facsimile or mail to:

Canada-Ukraine Talks Towards Possible FTA Negotiations
Consultations and Liaison Division – BSL
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-3489
Email: consultations@international.gc.ca