The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced that 44 industry associations will receive funding from the Government of Canada to expand international business activities, bring in new investment and attract top talent.

“Our government is committed to growing our economy and creating good, new, high-value jobs for hard-working Canadians,” said Minister Fast. “That is why we are helping our world-class industries expand and succeed abroad as a key part of our plan to open new markets around the world for our exporters. The funding we are providing today will help with these efforts.”

This funding announcement, hosted by Languages Canada at the downtown Vancouver location of Eurocentres Canada—one of Languages Canada’s founding members—stems from the government’s Global Opportunities for Associations (GOA) program, which helps national associations in key sectors undertake new or expanded international business development activities to benefit Canadian businesses and employees. This year the program will provide significant funding to a total of 44 national industry associations representing a wide range of sectors, including education, financial services, aerospace, infrastructure, and information and communications technologies.

Funding to Languages Canada, which represents over 150 members, of which 100 are small and medium-sized enterprises, will be used to promote its services and attract international students to Canada’s world-class educational institutions. Programs offered by Languages Canada’s members are examples of Canada’s excellence in teaching both English and French to international students, who come from around the world to study in Canada.

“The contribution from the Government of Canada helps us get the message out about the high-quality language education that is available in Canada,” said Sharon Curl, President of Languages Canada and President and Owner of Eurocentres Canada. “Our Eurocentres locations in Vancouver and Toronto attract international students and that in turn helps ensure that the world sees Canada as the place to be for top talent, global partnerships and business opportunities.”

In addition to Languages Canada, this year’s funding recipients within the education sector include the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, the Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne, the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International, the Canadian Bureau for International Education and the National Association of Career Colleges. International students bring tangible benefits to the Canadian economy, contributing $8 billion annually and supporting more than 86,000 jobs in every region of the country.

“Education, innovation and knowledge are now key drivers in a world economy that is increasingly interconnected through global supply chains, trade alliances between countries, and businesses seeking to expand and succeed in high-growth markets around the world,” added Minister Fast. “Our efforts in support of all associations and sectors help Canadian companies, particularly small and medium-sized ones, succeed globally, which translates into jobs and prosperity across the country.”

The GOA program provides matching funds of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses to support national associations undertaking new or expanded international business development activities, in strategic markets and sectors, for the benefit of an entire industry. The maximum contribution is $150,000. According to the Backgrounder included in the press release,  National Marine Manufacturers Association of Canada will receive $64,000 under the "Transportation" category.

For more information, please consult: Global Opportunities for Associations.