Positions

An opportunity exists to capitalize on the good reputation of Canada abroad by increasing our profile through an institution similar to the British Council, which is a non-profit institution designed to promote British educational institutions and the promotion of the learning of English around the world.

The result of the British Council has been a centre located in many countries that promotes attendance at British universities and education institutions. Easy access to information and how to apply to universities and other groups facilitates attendance and enrollment.

Many economists and knowing observers attribute the great contribution of "education immigrants" to recent growth of some companies and many innovations in the United States in particular.

Some high technology companies started and run by immigrants in California has greatly increased the dynamic of business activity in the United States.

Some scientists, doctors and other professionals have elected to stay in the United States and Britain after they have been educated there, greatly contributing to the cultural mix.

Canada has an opportunity to promote itself as a destination for the best and the brightest from other countries that would take advantage of those skills, drive and energy.

The United States is currently undergoing a period that has does not put the promotion of immigrants at the top of their agenda for many reasons, although that may change in the future.

This creates an opportunity to divert talented people to Canada to our benefit.

The next step is a "top down" policy of making talented and productive immigrants more welcome in Canada, which is an issue just coming to the public's attention. Such a policy may range from confronting stereotypes of foreigners in the hiring process, to ensure a more smooth adjustment to Canadian life in various professions.

The benefit of increasing foreigners enrollment in graduate schools is unquestionable, from more money to universities to overwhelmingly greater economic activity that results.

The budget for such a project starts in the hundreds of millions, questionable in times of restraint, but an easy solution to some long standing Canadian problems.

More of online presence is a cheap start, in addition for carved funds at some universities to hire staff.

Increasing Canada's profile may be best done through secondary non-controversial education and cultural promotion, as opposed to largely ineffective direct government promotion - the soft sell is more effective.

Canada's low profile is costing us money and opportunities and not making new friends and connections.

The United States may be in a period of decline and alternatives need to be explored.