Canada strikes a deal with India (updated)

NEWS RELEASES

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

************************* Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces conclusion of negotations on nuclear cooperation agreement between Canada and India

Canada takes another step to strengthen bonds with India PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada and India have concluded negotiations on a nuclear cooperation agreement.

The prime minister made the announcement during a meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh, prime minister of India, on the margins of the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

“This agreement is a testimony to the undeniable potential that Canada and India can offer each other and the world,” said the prime minister. “Increased collaboration with India’s civilian nuclear energy market will allow Canadian companies to benefit from greater access to one of the world’s largest and fastest expanding economies.”

Canada and India will now take the necessary steps to prepare the agreement for final signature and implementation.

“Canada is committed to forging stronger trade, investment and educational ties with India,” added the prime minister. “This agreement will allow Canadian firms to export and import controlled nuclear materials, equipment and technology to and from India.”

The Government of Canada has made a nuclear cooperation agreement with India a priority.

Canada’s nuclear-energy industry generates approximately $6.6 billion in annual revenue, $1.2 billion in exports each year and employs approximately 31,000 people. ************************* Canada and Trinidad and Tobago foster greater ties through education

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recognizes contribution of Maple Leaf International School in encouraging engagement between two countries

PETIT VALLEY, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today lauded the important role Canadian-curriculum schools play in fostering greater cooperation between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

While in Port of Spain for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM), the prime minister visited Maple Leaf International School, the largest private, not-for-profit school in Trinidad and Tobago, which offers the curriculum of the Province of Ontario from kindergarten to Grade 12.

“Canadian-curriculum schools play an important role in creating education links between our two countries,” said the prime minister. “They help to develop understanding and encourage cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada on academic, cultural and economic levels.”

Maple Leaf International School is one of 65 schools located in 16 countries around the world that follow a Canadian curriculum.

These include one other in Trinidad and Tobago and several in the Caribbean region.

“For many, education at a Canadian-curriculum school overseas is the start of a lifelong connection with Canada,” said the prime minister. “Many of the graduates of these schools go on to study at Canadian universities and colleges, thereby enriching our society with their skills, culture and traditions.”

Canadian schools around the world offer advantages to local students, providing them with additional choice in high-quality education, Canadian teachers and administrative staff as well as Canadian learning materials.

They are also a great way to help students better understand Canada.

Students of these schools are in an enriching cross-cultural environment that encourages global citizenship and engagement.

PHOTO CAPTION: – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, announce the signing of a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement at the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. PMO photo by Deb Ransom.

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