Minister welcomes Qatari delegation

Today, Education Minister John Ottenheimer has the honour of welcoming His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Bin Saud Al-Thani, chief of staff of the Amiri Diwan, Qatar, to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Three years ago, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) was successful in winning a contract to establish a college of technology in Doha, Qatar's capital city. The State of Qatar picked Canada as the country of choice to establish this high quality college in their country. The college brings to Qatar, Canadian educational culture, its governance and management systems, program accreditation, certification of graduates and its professional approach to industry driven curricula.

A Joint Oversight Board (JOB) oversees this contract and includes Qatari state officials, international representatives and members of the CNA Board of Governors. His Excellency is the chair of the board.

"It is a great honour to welcome His Excellency and other Qatari officials to Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Ottenheimer. "Establishing the college in Qatar is a $500 million, 10-year project, and is the largest educational contract ever awarded in Canada. This is my first opportunity to meet with the Qataris and I look forward to discussing CNA's progress."

The minister noted that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working hard to ensure the province is a major player throughout the world, as indicated by Premier Williams' highly successful mission to Ireland. "There are vast educational and economic benefits in international education and our government will continue to promote this province as a centre for learning excellence."

This project provides the province with additional benefits over and above the direct economic benefits of establishing a campus in Qatar. This opportunity translates into increased employment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Many CNA staff opted to work in Qatar, and their positions have been backfilled by other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

At present, the college has a student body of 600, with a projected enrolment of 1,100 for the 2004-05 academic year. The college employs 119 staff, the majority of which are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-0048

2004 07 21              2:50 p.m.