CMEC Wishes Team Canada Success at the 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALGARY, September 2, 2009 – The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), wishes success to the students representing Team Canada at the 40th WorldSkills Competition, held in Calgary from September 1 to 7, 2009.
Hailed as the pinnacle competition of global skills, trades, and technology, this biennial event promotes excellence and competency in international industry standards and brings over 900 competitors from 51 countries, in 45 skill categories, for four days of intense competition.
“Today's youth are developing skills that allow them to build successful careers in key industrial sectors, which help support Canada's economic growth,” said Diane McGifford, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy and incoming Chair of CMEC. “We wish Team Canada all the best as they showcase these skills in competition with young people from around the world.”
Team Canada, represented by 38 young Canadians from various regions of the country, includes the country's medal-winning skill and trade champions in diverse skill and trade categories, ranging from mobile robotics to carpentry to fashion technology.
“Alberta is proud to be the leading sponsor for this exciting skills competition,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. “Talented young people play a key role in building our next generation economy and these competitors, along with their trainers and employers, inspire and encourage others to pursue careers in the skilled trades and technologies.”
“The excellence and dedication shown by Team Canada and their international competitors demonstrate to Canadians and to the world how education in skills, trades, and technology is integral to a vibrant global economy,” said Dave Hancock, Alberta's Minister of Education.
“This goes hand in hand with our joint ministerial statement Learn Canada 2020, which aims to ensure that all Canadians can benefit from lifelong learning as a result of the strength and diversity of provincial and territorial education and training programs.”
This is the second time in the history of the WorldSkills Competition that Canada has hosted the international event, which, this year, coincides with the 96th meeting of CMEC, also held in Calgary.
CMEC is an intergovernmental body composed of the ministers responsible for elementary secondary and advanced education from the provinces and territories. Through CMEC, ministers share information and undertake projects in areas of mutual interest and concern.
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Information
Tamara Davis
Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations
Cell: 416.804.6548
Tel.: 416.962.8100, ext. 241
E-mail: t.davis@cmec.ca
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