Ottawa, June 9, 2017 – The President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Denise Amyot, issued the following statement today about the launch of Canada’s new Feminist International Assistance Policy, presented by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.
“Having always worked to make post-secondary education accessible to all, both at home and abroad, we were thrilled to see the minister announce a new Feminist International Assistance Policy that perfectly aligns with our own priorities. Increasing Canada’s assistance to women-focused education and training initiatives in order to promote social and economic empowerment was in fact one of our top recommendations to Global Affairs Canada’s 2016 International Assistance Review.”
“Canada’s colleges and institutes have a long history of working with under-represented populations, including women, indigenous peoples and marginalized groups, to support community building and ensure that all have the skills they need to start a meaningful career. For 45 years, our association has engaged with partners around the world to share this inclusive and accessible model of post-secondary education, focused on skills and employment. For us, this has always included promoting gender equality and empowering women as a key mechanism to reduce poverty. Over that period, we have seen time and again the transformative impact that women can have on their communities when they are provided with skills, education and support.”
“We agree with Minister Bibeau that focusing on the full empowerment of women and girls is the most effective way for our international assistance to make a difference in the world and welcome this new policy. We were especially pleased to see renewed commitments in support of technical and vocational training for women, improving their education outcomes and increasing their participation in economic decision-making. We look forward to continue working with the government as well as our partners around the world to meet those goals and develop post-secondary education systems that provide women and all under-represented populations with the skills they need to succeed.”
About CICan:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, as well as an international leader on applied education and innovation, with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. Working in close collaboration with industry and community partners, CICan’s members offer more than 8000 programs at campuses serving urban, rural, remote, and northern communities all over Canada, contributing to inclusive economic growth.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Tel. : 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter : @CollegeCan