About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index November 19, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding of almost $3 million for 16 projects as 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. "It is important to provide the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and experience in an international setting. I am pleased to make this announcement during International Education Week," stated Minister Volpe. "Education is the key to future success, and an international education broadens a student's horizons in shaping his or her world view." 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 studies, 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. Organization Name Location Funding Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke $199,893 York University Toronto $200,000 University of Alberta Edmonton $199,200 University of Manitoba Winnipeg $200,000 University of Moncton Moncton $200,000 University of New Brunswick Saint John $191,000 University of Prince Edward Island Charlottetown $160,000 Dalhousie University Halifax $159,500 Nova Scotia Agricultural College Truro $151,350 Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke $160,000 Université de Montréal Montréal $148,550 McGill University Montréal $158,380 McGill University Montréal $160,000 Ryerson University Toronto $159,750 York University Toronto $160,000 University of Manitoba Winnipeg $160,000 Total $2,767,623 - 30 - For more information: Stephen Heckbert Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development 819) 994-2482 Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (819) 994-5559