HALIFAX, November 22, 2004 -- The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding of almost $311,000 for two projects in Nova Scotia. This announcement is part of the International Academic Mobility (IAM) initiative to mark International Education Week. Established in 1995, the IAM initiative enables college and university students to gain valuable international skills through stimulating study experiences in Europe, the United States and Mexico. "Education is the key to both economic progress and individual opportunity," said Minister Regan. "These projects allow for an international exchange of knowledge and an opportunity for local students to enhance their workplace skills and their understanding of foreign cultures." The purpose of International Education Week is to raise awareness in participating countries of the benefits of acquiring an international education. For the first time, Canada is joining over 85 countries to underscore the importance of preparing citizens for the global economy. This initiative supports Canada's efforts to engage effectively on the international stage. The IAM initiative partners with universities and colleges across Canada and around the world to fund various fields of study, from business and nursing to environmental studies. The selection of IAM projects is conducted jointly by Canada and other countries, and assisted by panels of independent reviewers. The post-secondary institutions recruit and select the exchange students. Funding for these projects was provided for in the 2004 federal Budget. The projects have been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs, and are subject to review under the Financial Administration Act. Project Description Funding HalifaxBuilding Leadership in Public Mental Health in North America The University of Dalhousie will partner with five institutions to provide an opportunity for 42 psychiatry students from three countries to increasetheir knowledge of North American public mental health care systems and prepare them for leadership roles in psychiatric medicine $159,500 TruroRural Sustainability in Agriculture and Aquaculture The Nova Scotia Agricultural College, in collaboration with other partners in Canada, the United States and Mexico, will foster exchanges between students enrolled in aquaculture and agriculture-based post-secondary educational programs in those three countries $151,350 TOTAL $310,850 - 30 - Information: Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Tel.: (819) 994-5559
