Team Canada Generates Education Opportunities

Last week's Team Canada trade mission will mean greater co-operation in post-secondary education between Japan and Nova Scotia, said Premier John Hamm.

During a visit to Japan's Josai International University by Premier Hamm and Dr. Kenneth Ozmon, president of Saint Mary's University, a sister-university agreement was signed by the two institutions. The purpose of the five-year deal is to encourage research, education programs and the exchange of faculty, students and staff of both universities.

"Long-term, sustained economic growth depends on a strong education system," said Premier Hamm. "As Nova Scotia's economy becomes more export-oriented, we need closer links in post-secondary education with our key export markets."

The premier noted that Japan is Nova Scotia's third-largest export market. Moreover, each foreign student is estimated to contribute more than $25,000 annually to the provincial economy. Presently, there are more than 600 foreign students studying at Saint Mary's, about 10 per cent of the student population.

"The high quality of university education in Nova Scotia has long been recognized in Asia and other parts of the world," said Dr. Ozmon. "Agreements such as this one, particularly with the presence of the premier, enable Saint Mary's and the province of Nova Scotia to secure contacts, friends and new opportunities, which will be beneficial to Nova Scotians."

A reciprocal visit to Saint Mary's University by senior officials from Josai International University will take place in November.