Ontario universities have concluded a successful mission to China, signing multiple agreements to partner with universities that will result in increased research partnerships and more international exchanges to benefit faculty and students.

Eighteen representatives from 11 Ontario universities and the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) wrapped up the mission on Friday, with a signing ceremony attended by Premier Kathleen Wynne, Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid and Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade Minister Michael Chan, who also launched a trade mission to China.

“The internationalization of Ontario’s universities is central to bolstering the province’s competitive advantage and global leadership,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of COU.

“By partnering with some of the world’s top institutions and talent, it enables our universities to educate globally aware and connected students, attract international students and future citizens, and carry out ground-breaking research and innovation.”

Premier Wynne describes the mission as essential for growing Ontario’s place in the global economy.

“International partnerships are a critical part of the education landscape in Ontario. By working with universities in other countries, like China, we are turning out graduates who can compete and prosper in today’s global economy and ensuring our universities remain among the best in the world,” she said.

“That’s good for students and it’s good for our province. I applaud the leaders in our postsecondary sector who are working so hard to ensure Ontario has a bright and prosperous future.”

Jiangsu province and Ontario have had a long history of partnership, and this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the Jiangsu agreement to identify key sectors for increased trade and investment in such areas as education as well as research and innovation.

On this mission, Ontario universities visited 10 universities over five days, as well as research parks and incubators. The group also met with government and took part in the Fourth Annual Global R&D Summit in Nanjing, the capital city of Ontario’s sister province, Jiangsu.

“I cannot say enough about the graciousness and the hospitality that we have received from our hosts,” says Peter Ricketts, Provost and Vice-President at Carleton University.

“The important discussions, connections and agreements signed during this mission unite us, and will help our universities – and Ontario – thrive, both now and in the future.”

Highlights of the mission include:

• Collaborations in research, engineering and aerospace with Nanjing University of Science and Technology
• Student and academic exchanges with Nanjing Normal University
• Student and faculty exchange and joint artistic creation and exhibition with Nanjing University of the Arts

Ontario universities taking part in the COU mission were: Carleton, Lakehead, Laurentian, McMaster, Nipissing, OCADU, Ottawa, Queen’s, Trent, Wilfrid Laurier and York. York is also part of the Premier’s delegation, as are Ryerson, University of Toronto and Western.

China is one of Ontario’s largest trading partners, and the largest source of the province’s international students.

Quick Facts:

• The economic impact of international students to the Canadian economy has been estimated at $6.9 billion annually
• 54,740 international students are enrolled at Ontario universities, hailing from 215 countries
• International students comprise 11 per cent of all university enrolments in Ontario
• There has been a 96 per cent growth in the number of international students over the last decade

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COU is the voice of Ontario’s universities, promoting the value of education, research and innovation that leads to social, cultural and economic success.

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For further information, please contact:

Wendy McCann
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647-271-0825 (cell)
Email Wendy McCann