Ottawa, May 2, 2017 –Paul Charette, Chair of the Board of Directors of Bird Construction, was honored today with Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) 2017 Outstanding Partner Award.
The award was presented during CICan’s Business and Industry Breakfast which celebrates the close collaboration between colleges, institutes and their industry partners. This year’s event was attended by Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan, who offered opening remarks.
“Throughout his distinguished career in construction, Paul Charrette has always been keenly aware of the importance of employment-focused education which made him a strong ally for colleges and institutes”, said CICan President and CEO, Denise Amyot. “From his collaboration with local colleges in Manitoba to his national involvement with CICan, he has contributed to forging stronger partnerships between institutions, employers and community stakeholders.”
As past President and CEO of Bird Construction, Paul Charette has long recognized the importance of producing graduates who are equipped to meet current industry needs. He has been a tireless supporter and champion of college and institute education and has been an invaluable contributor to CICan. Mr. Charette has lent a powerful voice to CICan’s advocacy work, building understanding and support for colleges and institutes, including as an External Director on CICan’s Board of Directors (2012-2016). He was also instrumental in forming CICan’s Industry-College Coalition, whose mandate is to enhance collaboration between colleges and industry to address ongoing skill challenges, acting as its Co-Chair since its inception in 2014, to 2016.
Colleges and Institutes Canada is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics. Its members offer over 8000 programs, working with industry and social sectors to train 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities in Canada. CICan and its members are committed to driving Canadian prosperity by being global leaders in applied education and partnered innovation.
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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