June 13, 2013
OTTAWA — Supporting education, through building knowledge and resources, and improving access to quality education and training, is a priority for Canada. The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, congratulates the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), a partner of the Government of Canada, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
"The Government of Canada is proud to recognize the important role the Commonwealth of Learning has played over the past 25 years. Moving individuals from poverty to prosperity requires education and training," said Minister Fantino. "We are honoured to partner with the Commonwealth of Learning in innovative ways to give people the training and knowledge needed to become leaders in their countries and address the challenges that they and their communities face."
In an effort to increase access to quality education and vocational training opportunities, particularly for women and girls, Minister Fantino recently announced new funding to the COL initiative Scaling Up Support for Lifelong Learning for Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Canada's long-term institutional support to the organization.
Founded in 1987, the COL is one of three intergovernmental organizations of the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Vancouver, it is the only official Commonwealth institution located outside the United Kingdom. Canada is the largest supporter of the COL because our partnership is helping to improve the livelihoods of individuals and families, particularly women, in remote, and often marginalized, rural communities.
As part of this commitment, Economic Action Plan 2013 (EAP2013) will promote Canada as a country of choice for study and world-class research, and encourage Canadian students to take advantage of training opportunities abroad through the International Education Strategy.
EAP2013 also reaffirms Canada's commitment to international development investments, such as securing the future of children and youth. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation and will enhance the coordination of international assistance with broader Canadian values. Furthermore, the amalgamation will achieve greater efficiency, accountability, and focus to continue to help improve the lives of people in need around the world.
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