The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills:

SIFE Memorial Sets Sights on World Championships

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Honourable members of how a team of talented students from Memorial University are capturing attention around the world.

Earlier this month in Calgary, Students In Free Enterprise Memorial outshone 50 teams from universities and colleges across Canada to win the SIFE National Championships. After three days of competition, with over 700 other university students, the Newfoundland and Labrador team was commended for entrepreneurial programs that “genuinely benefit the community.”

Among the outreach initiatives the SIFE Memorial team presented were projects helping military personnel, persons with disabilities, and people who earn money in city neighbourhoods by collecting recyclables. Through volunteer hours spent on these and other projects, SIFE estimates an economic impact of over $2 million, creating 47 jobs and affecting the lives of more than 4,700 people.

Mr. Speaker, this is the sixth time in seven years that SIFE Memorial has taken top honours in the prestigious event, and the team will now represent Canada at the 2012 SIFE World Cup in Washington, D.C., in September where U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, will greet delegates.

It was only four years ago that the SIFE team was named best in the world by winning the SIFE World Cup in Singapore. And last year, the SIFE team demonstrated how they are empowering Canadian veterans by helping medically discharged and retired military personnel start their own businesses – efforts that are being adopted this year by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and his charitable network.

It is also worth noting that Memorial University’s business school was the first in Atlantic Canada to earn international accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest distinction a business school anywhere in the world can receive.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the SIFE Memorial Team and wish them every success in Washington.

Thank you.

2012 05 31             1:50 p.m.