April 25th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
Minister Flaherty regularly consults private sector economists directly on their views on the outlook for the Canadian economy. The economic forecast presented in Economic Action Plan 2012 was based on a survey conducted in early March 2012 and includes the views of 14 independent, private sector economists. Read the rest of this entry »
April 24th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
| ETOBICOKE, April 24, 2012 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, joined by the Honourable Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, today announced the introduction of an act to amend the Criminal Code (victim surcharge). The amendment will make convicted offenders more accountable to victims of crime by doubling the victim surcharge that offenders must pay, and ensuring that the surcharge is automatically applied in all cases.
“Our government is delivering on our promise to double the victim surcharge and make it mandatory in every case, without exception,” said Minister Rob Nicholson. “This legislation will ensure that victim support services receive the funding that they require and deserve.” Provincial and territorial victim services are funded in part by the federal victim surcharge, which is an additional penalty imposed on offenders at the time of sentencing. Under the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, the surcharge would be 30 percent of any fine imposed or, where no fine is imposed, $100 on a summary conviction offence and $200 for an indictable offence. Currently, offenders who can demonstrate undue hardship may request that the victim surcharge be waived. The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code would make the victim surcharge mandatory for all offenders. “Canadians deserve a justice system that sentences offenders in a way that reflects the severity of their crime and respects victims of crime,” said the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator. “By doubling the victim surcharge and ensuring that it cannot be waived, our Government is sending a signal that offenders must pay for the harm they cause to victims.” The introduction of this bill builds on the Government’s previous actions to support victims of crime and ensure that victims have a greater voice in the criminal justice system and more access to available services. In 2007, the Government announced the Federal Victims Strategy and committed $52 million over four years to respond to the needs of victims of crime. In Budget 2011, the Government renewed the Federal Victims Strategy with $26 million in funding and in Budget 2012, the Government committed to provide new funding to the Victims Fund. On April 23, Minister Nicholson announced additional funding to the Victims Fund in the amount of $7 million over five years. Backgrounder: Victim Surcharge A victim surcharge is an additional penalty imposed on convicted offenders at the time of sentencing. It is collected and retained by the provincial and territorial governments, and used to help fund programs and services for victims of crime in the province or territory where the crime occurred. The bill proposes to amend the victim surcharge provisions in the Criminal Code to double the amount that an offender must pay when sentenced, and to ensure that the surcharge is applied in all cases. The surcharge would be 30 percent of any fine imposed on the offender. Where no fine is imposed, the surcharge would be $100 for offences punishable by summary conviction and $200 for offences punishable by indictment. In addition, the judge would retain the discretion to impose an increased surcharge where the circumstances warrant and the offender has the ability to pay. The victim surcharge was first enacted in 1989 and was called the victim fine surcharge. In 2000, two amendments were made to the surcharge provision, making the surcharge a fixed amount and making it mandatory unless it would cause undue hardship to the offender. The term “fine” was dropped to avoid the interpretation that it only applied in addition to fines. The amendments were intended to ensure that offenders were more accountable to victims. The victim surcharge has not been increased since 2000. The increases to the victim surcharge in this bill are in keeping with the Government’s priority of ensuring that offenders are accountable to victims of crime. As the surcharge money is used by the government of the province or territory where the crime occurred to help fund services to victims of crime, raising the victim surcharge amounts will directly benefit victims of crime. Currently, sentencing judges have the discretion to waive the victim surcharge when it can be demonstrated that its payment will cause undue hardship to the offender or his or her dependants. This bill would remove the waiver option to ensure that the victim surcharge is applied in all cases without exception. In cases where offenders are unable to pay the surcharge, they may be able to participate in a provincial fine option program, where such programs exist. This would allow an offender to satisfy a financial penalty ordered as part of a sentence by earning credits for work performed in the province or territory where the crime was committed. |
April 24th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
|
||
April 18th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
St. Catharines – Today, MP Rick Dykstra reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support of the Canadian automotive sector and highlighted key initiatives that were undertaken to ensure its competitiveness in the global marketplace. Read the rest of this entry »
April 17th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
St. Catharines– Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), today announced innovative partnerships between Brock University and 13 local small- and medium-sized businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
March 29th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
Full details of federal budget are posted at www.rickdykstra.ca .
Read the rest of this entry »
March 28th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
This morning was the official opening of the new state of the art 6-speed front wheel transmission plant in St. Catharines. That represents close to 500 jobs secured for our community. The $245M investment by GM with some help from the federal government becomes a reality today. By the time the plant reaches full production they will have gone to three shifts to keep up with current consumer demand.
This didn’t happen without a ton of work by a lot of people. Whether it is the executive team led by Ken Williams head of GM Canada, the local CAW 199 or the federal government we all made the right concessions and made sure we looked forward. I want to thank my former colleague and Minister of Industry Jim Prentice who helped me to ensure that the funds for the former Beacon Project in Oshawa were transferred to St Catharines. He never complained about our 1am discussions that helped secure jobs in our city.
This is a proud day for our city and for a proud company and employees who have a long history of success. When things got tough three years ago for GM we found a way and today showed that the effort is paying off.
Now I’m headed back to Ottawa for votes. I’m hoping the Whip doesn’t notice I’m not going to make Question Period….
Later,
From Rick’s Blog:
http://www.rickdykstra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2476&Itemid=43
March 8th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
Ottawa, March 6, 2012 - Today, Parliamentary Secretary Rick Dykstra discussed the Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. After months of the study, the report entitled “Cutting the Queue: Reducing Canada’s Immigration Backlog and Wait Times” was tabled today. Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra was joined at the announcement by the Conservative members of the Immigration Committee.
“When the Stephen Harper government was elected in 2006, it inherited an immigration system that was broken and did not meet Canada’s economic needs,” said Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra. “Since then the government has made many changes to better align immigration with the needs of the economy, but there is still more work to be done.”
The Conservative Members of the Immigration Committee noted that immigration is playing an increasingly important role in Canada’s economy and that Canada should have an immigration system that can help attract the best and the brightest from around the world. The Immigration Committee’s report commended the government for the steps it had taken in the past five years to slow down the growth of the backlogs, and to even reduce them in some categories. However, the report also recognized that the overall immigration backlog now stands at nearly 1 million people. The queue in the Federal Skilled Worker category accumulated before 2008 alone is nearly 300,000 people long.
“Lengthy immigration backlogs are holding back our economy and stopping us from attracting the skilled immigrants we need right now and for our future,” added Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra.
To address this problem, Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra highlighted two of the report’s recommendations.
1. The government should review its immigration policies to better align the number of applications it accepts for processing with the number of admissions each year. Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra noted that it would be futile to continue the Liberal practice of accepting twice as many applications as we are willing to accept.
2. The government should focus on the Federal Skilled Worker backlog, study all the options, and move quickly to reduce this backlog.
“We believe that the government’s primary focus should be on jobs and growth. We know that immigration can be part of the solution to addressing our economic needs,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Dykstra, “That is why we think it is very important that the government act decisively to deal with the immigration backlog.”
February 16th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
Ottawa, February 16, 2012 — Legislation to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system was introduced today by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
The proposed measures include further reforms to the asylum system to make it faster and fairer, measures to address human smuggling, and the authority to make it mandatory to provide biometric data with a temporary resident visa application.
“Canadians take great pride in the generosity and compassion of our immigration and refugee programs. But they have no tolerance for those who abuse our generosity and seek to take unfair advantage of our country,” said Minister Kenney.
The new bill, Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, proposes changes that build on reforms to the asylum system passed in June 2010 as part of the Balanced Refugee Reform Act.
The proposed measures would provide faster protection to those who genuinely need refuge, and faster removal for those who don’t.
In particular, refugee claimants from generally non-refugee-producing countries such as most of those in the European Union (EU) would be processed, on average, in 45 days compared to more than 1,000 days under the current system, or 171 days under the Balanced Refugee Reform Act.
“It has become clear that there are gaps in the Balanced Refugee Reform Act and we need stronger measures that are closer to the original refugee bill we tabled back in March 2010,” said Minister Kenney. “Canada receives more refugee claims from Europe than from Africa or Asia. Last year alone, 23% of all refugee claims made in Canada were made by nationals from the EU. That’s up from 14% the previous year. This growing trend threatens the integrity of our immigration system.”
In recent years over 95% of EU claims were withdrawn, abandoned or rejected. If that trend continues, that means that the unfounded claims from the 5,800 EU nationals who sought asylum last year will cost Canadian taxpayers nearly $170 million.
“Too many tax dollars are spent on bogus refugees. We need to send a message to those who would abuse Canada’s generous asylum system that if you are not in need of protection, you will be sent home quickly,” added Minister Kenney.
With the Balanced Refugee Reform Act and today’s legislation, the provinces and territories are expected to save in the range of $1.65 billion over five years in social assistance and education costs.
Most of the provisions in the former Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act (Bill C-4) have also been included in this new bill, with one modification. Minors under the age of 16 would be exempt from the detention proposals designed to deal with all mass arrivals from human smuggling operations.
“Our Government is sending a clear message that our doors are open to those who play by the rules, including legitimate refugees. However, we will crack down on those who endanger human lives and threaten the integrity of our borders,” said Minister Kenney. “Human smuggling is a despicable crime and Canadians think it’s unacceptable for criminals to abuse Canada’s immigration system for financial gain.”
Mandatory detention remains for people who enter Canada as part of a designated smuggling event. But once the identity of a claimant has been established and a refugee claim is approved, individuals would be released from detention.
The final component of the new legislation would give the Minister the authority to make it mandatory for visa applicants to provide biometric data (i.e., fingerprints, photograph) to visit Canada. Documents can be forged or stolen, whereas biometric data provide greater certainty, confirming the identity of applicants when they apply.
“Biometrics will be an important new tool to help protect the safety and security of Canadians by reducing identity fraud and identity theft,” said Minister Kenney. “As fraudsters become more sophisticated, biometrics will improve our ability to keep violent criminals and those who pose a threat to Canada out. In short, biometrics will strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system while helping facilitate legitimate travel.”
These measures would put us in line with international partners such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and the United States. This would help prevent known criminals, failed refugee claimants and deportees from using a fake identity to obtain a visa. The use of biometrics would also bolster Canada’s existing measures to facilitate legitimate travel by providing a fast and reliable tool for confirming identity.
All these reforms are aimed at deterring abuse of Canada’s generous immigration and refugee system. With these proposed measures, the integrity of Canada’s immigration programs and the safety and security of Canadians will be protected.
“To maintain the support of Canadians for our generous immigration and refugee systems, we must demonstrate that Canada has a fair, well-managed system that does not tolerate queue jumping,” concluded Minister Kenney.
[Click Here] and scroll down for Backgrounders.
[Click Here] for more information on Canada’s Balanced Refugee Reform plan.
February 8th, 2012 by St Catharines Conservative EDA
BEIJING, CHINA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today witnessed the signing of new joint initiatives and the renewal of existing bilateral initiatives between the two countries in the areas of energy, natural resources, education, science and technology, and agriculture.
“The rapidly increasing commercial, cultural and scholastic ties between our two countries are creating new jobs and economic growth that are benefitting Canadian families, businesses and communities,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The agreements being signed today, in such a wide range of areas, are further testimony that we are taking relations to the next level and further strengthening our strategic partnership.”
More specifically, the two leaders witnessed the signing of:
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Development of Natural Resources that will provide a platform to promote Canadian expertise, technologies and services in that area;
• A renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation that will attract capital investment and improve access to Chinese markets for Canada’s energy resources, technology and related services; and,
• Initiatives on agriculture that clear the way for immediate access to the lucrative Chinese beef tallow market and joint research that aims to create a stable trading environment with China for Canadian canola seed;
• A statement of intent to launch two new calls for proposals for joint research and development projects under the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the announcement of results for a previous call for project proposals;
• A three-year renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding related to the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program that will increase the eligibility criteria for Canadians to study in China; and
• A Memorandum of Understanding on protected areas and parks that will provide a framework for Canada and China to collaborate and share their professional and scientific knowledge and experience in the management of national parks and nature reserves.
The Prime Minister also announced the conclusion of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca
Backgrounder
CANADA-CHINA AGREEMENT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Government of Canada is committed to collaborating with China on science and technology in order to promote innovation and two-way trade and investment. In support of this commitment, Canada and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, which aims to advance science and technology collaboration in this area.
The five-year MOU, which was signed on February 8, 2012 , and is effective immediately, is expected to generate new and improved scientific knowledge and technologies, help address a number of environmental issues and enable trade and investment opportunities for both Canadian and Chinese industries.
It will promote cooperation between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the CAS in the areas of clean energy, earth sciences and mineral resources. Collaboration between government, industrial, academic and professional organization representatives will be facilitated under the initiative through collaboration on individual research projects, exchanges of personnel, and the exchange of scientific/technical information and technology.
The MOU supports Canada’s prosperity agenda with China by providing a platform to promote Canadian expertise, technologies and services. The benefit of increased cooperation includes: new technologies for Canadian resource firms; advancing Canada’s research priorities; addressing policy challenges to resource development, such as emissions, reduced environmental impact and natural hazards; and opportunities for Canadian suppliers of equipment and services.
Collaborating with the CAS – China’s national research and development authority – will complement a number of existing government-to-government mechanisms and frameworks, including the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, the May 2007 MOU on Cooperation in Earth Sciences, and collaboration between NRCan’s Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and the CAS Institute of Remote Sensing Applications in 1994.
China is Canada’s second largest trading partner and natural resources account for more than half the value of Canadian exports to China.
Backgrounder
CANADA-CHINA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON ENERGY COOPERATION
China has emerged as the largest energy consumer in the world. Growing Chinese energy demand and Chinese overseas energy investments (including Canadian oil and gas) have prompted increased market interest in China as a source of investment, as a partner in technological cooperation, and as a market for Canadian energy goods and services.
The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with China, advancing Canada’s energy interests and contributing to Canada’s long-term economic well-being. To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that an agreement on energy cooperation with China had been reached.
The Canada-China Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Energy Cooperation provides a framework to engage China on energy issues. The agreement covers a broad range of energy activities, including energy policy, trade and investment, energy efficiency, oil and gas, nuclear energy, renewable energy, as well as energy research and development. This agreement will increase opportunities to attract capital investment, and improve access to markets for Canada’s energy resources, technology and related services.
The MOU sets a foundation for strategic and technical cooperation, including joint research projects, exchange of expertise and facilitation of workshops, and promotion of cooperation between energy companies in both countries. The agreement also provides a vehicle for liaison with provinces and territories, industrial, academic, professional and other organizations.
The Canada-China Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation is the primary vehicle for implementing cooperation under the MOU. This Working Group is co-chaired by Canada’s Department of Natural Resources and China’s National Energy Administration (NEA). The NEA is the main authority in China responsible for energy policy and operates under the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s central government body responsible for economic planning.
This MOU is a continuation of the MOU signed in 2001 and renewed in 2006 and it will allow Canada and China to reinforce and develop cooperation in the field of energy.
Backgrounder
AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES
The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening its important trade and investment relationship with China. To this end, Prime Minister Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today announced two new agreements which will expand Canadian agricultural and agri-food exports to China.
By making way for new and expanded markets, the new agreements will provide hard working Canadian farmers and processors with stable and predictable export opportunities, while creating jobs and economic growth in Canada.
Market Access for Canadian beef and Tallow for Industrial Use
During Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to Canada in June 2010, Canada and China signed a Cooperative Arrangement committing them to resolving access for Canadian beef, beef products and tallow for industrial use. The Chinese market for both Canadian beef and cattle was closed in May 2003 following Canada’s first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Following extensive technical negotiations, Canada and China reached an agreement in May 2011 which restored access for Canadian deboned beef derived from animals under thirty months of age.
The new Protocol Between the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Quarantine and Health Requirements for Industrial Beef Tallow to be Exported from Canada to China, signed on February 8, 2012, represents the next step of the 2010 Cooperative Arrangement. It stipulates conditions for access of Canadian tallow for industrial use in China and clears the way for the immediate access to the lucrative Chinese beef tallow market by Canadian processors for the first time in almost a decade.
In 2002, Canadian exports of tallow were worth more than $31 million, which made China the top export market for Canadian tallow. In 2010, China imported over $400 million in tallow from countries around the world.
Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Canola Research
China is one of Canada’s most valuable canola export markets. In 2009, China restricted imports of Canadian canola seed due to the presence of blackleg, a fungal disease in canola and rapeseed. While a transitional agreement granted by China in November of the same year allows temporary and limited exports of canola, Canadian and Chinese governments and industry continue to work toward a long-term solution.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Prime Minister Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, allows for Canadian-funded joint research to be conducted in Canada to provide a better understanding of blackleg and assist officials in mitigating the risks to Chinese crops associated with the disease. The MOU, which is effective immediately, is part of an ongoing strategy to achieve a stable trading environment with China for Canadian canola seed.
Backgrounder
CALL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROPOSALS
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research that improves the lives of Canadians and allows Canadian entrepreneurs to develop new products and introduce them to the marketplace, creating jobs and economic growth and raising Canadians’ standard of living. To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today announced the intent to launch two new calls for proposals, valued at $18 million, for joint research and development initiatives under the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The two new calls for proposals, which are expected to be launched in spring 2012, will focus on the development of innovations with high commercial potential in the areas of human vaccines and clean automotive transportation. These areas were identified by the Canada-China Joint Committee on Science and Technology, which is made up of Canadian and Chinese partners from industry, academia and government.
The contribution is shared equally between the two countries, with $9 million from Canadian sources and $9 million from Chinese sources. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, through the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP), will contribute up to $1.5 million to each of the two initiatives, to be matched with equivalent funds from Canadian industry. Additionally, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada will contribute up to $1.5 million to the human vaccines and clean automotive transportation initiatives, respectively. Additional support provided by the National Research Council of Canada and Natural Resources Canada promises to further bolster the initiative by linking it to new and existing programs and resources.
To date, nearly $28 million has been provided through the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation for 21 projects that have significant commercial potential. Some areas being explored include new ways to monitor nuclear power plants, as well as the development of new drugs for AIDS patients, and cleaner pulp and paper plants.
About International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP)
In Canada, ISTPP is delivered by an arms-length, not-for-profit agency, International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada), on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
ISTPP provides seed funding to Canadian small-and-medium-sized enterprises, often working in partnership with universities and research organizations, to undertake commercially viable joint research and development projects with partners from China, Brazil, India and Israel. It was established in 2005 with funding of $20 million over five years. The program was renewed in 2011 with an additional $20 million over five years. Since 2007, partners have contributed $3 for every $1 invested by the Government of Canada. The program increases the international competitiveness and prosperity of Canada by building stronger science and technology relationships with partner countries.
Backgrounder
RESULTS OF THE THIRD CALL FOR PROPOSALS UNDER THE CANADA-CHINA FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
The Government of Canada recognizes the role of innovation in stimulating economic growth and supports research and development projects that can lead to job creation and enhanced standards of living for all Canadians. To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today announced the results of the third call for joint research and development projects under the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Seven projects, valued at nearly $10 million, will be supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, through the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP), which promotes commercially-focused international research and development cooperation and is delivered by a not-for-profit organization, ISTPCanada. Additional funding will come from partners such as the Government of Alberta.
Project Descriptions
1. A new Urinary Diagnostic Kit for Acute Kidney Injury: The kit provided a new diagnostics test that enables fast, accurate and cost-effective detection and diagnosis of kidney disease.
Canadian Participants: ATGCell Inc.; University of Alberta; Alberta Innovates
Chinese Participants: Shanghai Alpha Biotechnology Co. Ltd.; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital.
2. An innovative Wind Energy Seawater Desalination System: This wind powered seawater desalination system will facilitate cost-effective and energy-efficient desalination at large-scale water treatment plants.
Canadian Participants: Wenvor Technologies Inc.; University of New Brunswick
Chinese Participants: Jiangsu Academy of Macroeconomic Research
3. Condensing Technology for Recovery and Utilization of Waste Heat from Reheating Furnace Emissions in the Petrochemical Industry: This cost-effective waste heat recovery system helps oil refineries reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent and water consumption by up to 90 percent.
Canadian Participants: Thermal Energy International Inc.
Chinese Participants: Cyheat Energy Technology Inc.; Liaoning Shihua University.
4. Nanowire-Based Next Generation Solar Cells: This nanowire technology (about 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of human hair) will reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of solar panels, a leading source of renewable energy.
Canadian Participants: Cleanfield Energy; McMaster University
Chinese Participants: Hangzhou Niagra Technology; Zhejiang University
5. A Real-Time Multi-Sensor Tracking Device for operation on any platform and in any environment: This real-time navigation and tracking system for hand-held devices will improve inventory tracking, personnel safety and emergency response.
Canadian Participants: Trusted Positioning Inc.
Chinese Participants: Beijing UniStrong (China); Nanchang University
6. A Blue-Green Algae Blooms Warning System: This new technology will help scientists to assess and prevent toxic blue-green algae from infecting our waters.
Canadian Participants: Noetix Research
Chinese Participants: Changzhou SpatialSmart Technologies
7. Research and Commercialization of the Next Generation Core Technologies for Online Spatial Data Maintenance: These large-scale geographic information systems will improve data accessibility and increases user productivity.
Canadian Participants: MRF Geosystems
Chinese Participants: SuperMap Software Co. Ltd
About International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP)
In Canada, ISTPP is delivered by an arms-length, not-for-profit agency, International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada), on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
ISTPP provides seed funding to Canadian small-and-medium-sized enterprises, often working in partnership with universities and research organizations, to undertake commercially viable joint research and development projects with partners from China, Brazil, India and Israel. It was established in 2005 with funding of $20 million over five years. The program was renewed in 2011 with an additional $20 million over five years. Since 2007, partners have contributed $3 for every $1 invested by the Government of Canada. The program increases the international competitiveness and prosperity of Canada by building stronger science and technology relationships with partner countries.
Backgrounder
CANADA-CHINA SCHOLARS’ EXCHANGE PROGRAM (CCSEP)
The Government of Canada believes international learning opportunities are key to increasing understanding of the world, and to this end, supports a wide array of work/study programs designed to propel students and professionals towards a greater appreciation of different cultural perspectives.
The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) is an official exchange program between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, which is designed to enhance scholars and professionals’ knowledge and understanding of his or her host country’s language, culture, academic and business pursuits. Since its establishment in 1973, more than 900 scholars have participated in the program.
Through the CCSEP, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada provides eight to twelve scholarships annually to Chinese mid-career professionals, while China offers approximately 20 short-term awards to non-degree seeking Canadian university students. The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will come into effect in the next round of competitions in the fall of 2012, contains modifications to increase the eligibility criteria for Canadians to study in China: in particular, Canadian undergraduate students and mid-career professionals may now apply for the program, along with graduate students and university faculty members who are already currently eligible.
Over the years, education ties between Canada and China have expanded significantly. In 2010, over 60,000 Chinese students studied in Canada, representing close to 28 per cent of our international students and contributing almost $1.9 billion to the Canadian economy. In addition, in 2009, over 16,500 students attended the 49 elementary/secondary schools in China licensed to teach a Canadian curriculum.
There are currently over 475 active agreements between Canadian and Chinese institutions.
Backgrounder
CANADA-CHINA AGREEMENT ON PROTECTED AREAS COOPERATION
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the protection and preservation of Canada’s cultural and natural heritage and to collaborating with its international partners on priority environmental issues of common interest. In keeping with this commitment, the Government of Canada signed on February 8, 2012, an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on protected areas cooperation with China’s State Forestry Administration, which is responsible for the management of China’s network of nature reserves.
The purpose of the MOU, which is effective immediately, is to provide a framework for Parks Canada and China’s State Forestry Administration to collaborate and share their professional and scientific knowledge and experience in the management of national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas.
Areas of cooperation may include:
• The development and implementation of national parks and nature reserves management, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
• Ecological restoration, public education, tourism and visitors experience;
• Conservation measures for endangered wild fauna and flora species and their habitat, including species reintroduction;
• Development and management of wetland parks, monitoring and management of wetlands of international importance; and
• Conservation measures for the preservation of forests and wetlands within national parks and nature reserves.
The MOU also recognizes that both the Peoples Republic of China and Canada are parties to a number of international conventions regarding protected areas planning and management.
Parks Canada manages more than 300,000 square kilometres of protected areas in its country-wide network of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Through its world-class expertise in protected area and park management and conservation, Parks Canada provides opportunities for Canadians to learn about and have extraordinary experiences of discovery at these national treasures.