NLIS 5
October 6, 2005
(Education)
Minister to encourage
cooperation on educational issues across Canada
The new chair of the Council of
Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) sees his role as an
opportunity to encourage a spirit of cooperation between governments
on education issues.
Education Minister Tom Hedderson was elected chair by his colleagues
at the conclusion of the two-day meetings, a position he will hold
for the next two years.
�I am pleased and honoured to accept this role,� the minister said.
�CMEC is an important voice for education in Canada. It allows
ministers and their executive to exchange information, to discuss
best practices, and to address common challenges. The chair is a key
voice for educational issues of national concern. It is a high
profile role and a responsibility that I take very seriously.�
Minister Hedderson was in Quebec City from October 4-5 to meet with
his provincial and territorial counterparts. They discussed
educational issues such as financial assistance for post-secondary
students and proposed federal copyright legislation (Bill C 60)
which, if passed, will seriously impede the use of Internet-based
resources in the classroom.
As chair, the minister will work with the permanent CMEC secretariat
staff to coordinate meetings, bring topics of concern to the table
for discussion, and adjudicate all meetings.
�It is important to me that all jurisdictions get a fair hearing on
the national level,� Minister Hedderson said. �I recognize there
will be some issues that may be unique to one province or territory,
or to one region, and it is my hope that during my tenure as chair
of CMEC, all provinces and territories can work together to help
each other achieve both our individual and collective goals in
education.�
This year�s meetings also focused on the development of an action
plan for Aboriginal education, safe and caring learning
environments, and a Pan-Canadian Online Learning Portal.
Further information about CMEC is available online at
www.cmec.ca
Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048,
690-6047
2005 10 06
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