Education Ministers Invited to Nova Scotia

Canada has invited education ministers from the Commonwealth to hold their 14th conference in Nova Scotia in November 2000. The conference, bringing together education leaders from across Canada and as many as 50 Commonwealth countries, will be in Halifax.

"Hosting an event of this magnitude is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and range of our education and training programs," said Premier Russell MacLellan. "Nova Scotia looks forward to sharing our educational experiences and expertise with the many Commonwealth nations."

The conference is held every three years in a Commonwealth country. Discussions at the ministerial level and presentations during the conference focus on a particular theme. For example, in Botswana in 1997, the theme was the use of technology in education. A theme for the 14th conference will be determined in the next few weeks.

The choice of host was recommended by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada and approved by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This is the first time Canada will host the event, to be held Nov. 26-Dec. 1.

Education and Culture Minister Wayne Gaudet said the timing is right for Nova Scotia. From past experiences, we know Nova Scotia will serve as an excellent host for the Commonwealth. As the new millennium approaches, educators are facing many challenges. This conference will allow us to identify and discuss some of the challenges facing educators in the 21st century."

As was the case in Botswana, a parallel conference is being planned in conjunction with the ministers' conference. Using a similar theme, the parallel conference will allow educators from as many as 50 countries to share experiences and challenges. A large trade show will showcase educational solutions and allow public and private sector organizations to demonstrate their areas of expertise.