- This week, four Memorandum of Understandings were signed between Irish and Canadian higher education institutions, in addition to an overarching governmental education agreement between British Columbia and Ireland.
- Minister Niall Collins T.D, Irish Minister of State for Skills and Further Education of Ireland was present for each of the signings, signifying deepening relationship collaboration between Canadian and Irish institutions.
- The signings demonstrate institutions’ commitment to creating opportunities for student and faculty exchange, programme development, professional development, joint research programs, and more to provide exceptional education experiences to students.
This week, a governmental agreement between British Columbia and Ireland was signed, emphasizing the value of partnership between Canada and Ireland. In addition to this, four Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) have been signed between Irish higher educational institutions (HEI) and post-secondary colleges in British Columbia. The signings took place in the presence of Minister Niall Collins T.D, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education of Ireland during the British Columbia International Education Week, hosted by British Columbia’s Council for International Education (BCCIE).
“Through the Memorandum of Understanding, both Ireland and Canada are firmly declaring the importance of person-to-person engagements to the deepening of international relations in further and higher education between our two countries,” said Minister Collins. “It reflects our shared culture and ties, and demonstrates our willingness to share learning in education and research to improve our students’ knowledge.”
Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s trade agency, under the managed sub-brand of Education in Ireland, are responsible for the promotion of Irish higher education institutions overseas. With agreements spanning various programs, faculties, and disciplines, the MoUs reinforce the institutions’ commitment to creating opportunities for student and faculty exchange, programme development, professional development, joint research programs, and more. The partnerships are an example of the growing bilateral relationship between Ireland and Canada and are a key facet of the internationalization strategy of Ireland’s Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
“The signing of these MoU’s signifies the ever-expanding bridge between Canada and Ireland,” said Giles O’Neill, Director, Education in Ireland. “These partnerships encourage the exchange of culture, knowledge, and ideas by students and faculty between these two countries. We are keen to continue to build on the existing links between Ireland and Canada, giving all learners a diverse and international experience that sets them up for a bright future.”
As part of the BCCIE’s International Education Week conference, Minister Niall Collins T.D. delivered a keynote address at the opening of Ireland Day on Tuesday 28th. In addition to participation at the conference, throughout the week, MoU agreements were signed between the following parties:
- Monday June 27th
- Atlantic Technological University & Vancouver Community College (VCC)
- Atlantic Technological University (ATU) & Selkirk College (SC)
- Munster Technological University (MTU) & Camosun College (CC)
- Atlantic Technological University (ATU) & Douglas College (DC)
- Tuesday June 28th
- Ireland – BC Education MoU signing signifying reciprocal relationship between Irish and Canadian institutions
“We’re delighted to have the Hon. Anne Kang, British Columbia’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training to witness the MoU signing between Ireland and BC Education.” says O’Neill. “As the second only BC Education MoU with another European country, this signing indicates a step towards deepening our ties with the province, sharing experiences, and accelerating collaboration in all aspects of skills, training, research and educational skills.”
There currently are 135 agreements in place between Irish and Canadian HEIs. Education in Ireland is actively working towards expanding the number of educational partnerships in Canada.
