Brazilian rectors wrap up visit to Canada

University leaders commit to enhanced Brazil-Canada collaboration

OTTAWA – Canadian and Brazilian universities have laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral collaboration during a 13-day mission to Canada by 19 Brazilian university leaders.

From June 14-26, Brazilian rectors met with 45 Canadian universities to advance cooperation in higher education, including university-industry partnerships, environmental sustainability, citizenship and democracy, and Aboriginal education.  The Association of Brazilian Rectors of State and Municipal Universities’ delegation travels home to Brazil today, after visits to Montreal, Ottawa, the greater Toronto area, Vancouver, Whistler and Calgary.

During a meeting on June 17 at Rideau Hall, Universities Canada and ABRUEM signed a formal five-year commitment to promote further collaboration in student mobility, research and academic partnerships and internationalization. Other highlights included a roundtable discussion on university-industry partnerships at Ryerson University, co-hosted by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, as well as roundtable events with regional university leaders in both Alberta and British Columbia. The delegation also attended the British Columbia Council for International Education’s annual Summer Seminar conference.

“I am immensely proud of the progress that has been made during ABRUEM’s visit to Canada,” says Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada. “Canada and Brazil already enjoy strong connections in research, innovation and higher education.  This high-level mission has strengthened individual partnerships and established new linkages for the future. The impact will be seen on our campuses and those of our Brazilian partner institutions in the years to come.”

The Brazilian rectors’ mission was coordinated in close collaboration with Universities Canada and the Embassy of Brazil in Canada. It was the Brazilians’ first official return visit to Canada following the largest Canadian university presidents’ mission to Brazil in April 2012, coordinated by Universities Canada and led by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

This initiative was supported by the Government of Canada’s Global Opportunities for Associations program.

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