1. An Introduction to Canada, Education in Canada and International Experience Canada Embassy of Canada to Latvia October 2013 By: Konrad Roberts

2. Canada The National Flag The Arms of Canada Image Credit: Canadian Heritage, www.canada.gc.ca. ‘A Mari Usque Ad Mare’

3. Overview Introduction Culture People Geography Natural Heritage Economy and Resources Government Our Arctic Region Education in Canada International Experience Canada

4. Introduction Colonized by both the British and the French Confederated in 1867 (Independence) The world’s second largest country by area: 9,984,670 km² Population: 35 million Officially Bilingual  ~22.3% of Canadians have French as their mother tongue, ~58.4% have English, and ~19.3% have other first languages Image Credit: Canadian Heritage, www.canada.gc.ca.

5. Culture We are known for: Hockey Lacrosse Maple Syrup The Great Outdoors Comedy Peacekeeping Whisky Wine and Beer The “Canada Arm” (Space Equipment) We represent: Freedom Equality Peace Bilingualism Multiculturalism  “Cultural Mosaic” Natural Heritage Politeness Friendliness / Openness Democracy John Candy Jim Carey Mike Myers

6. Our People Canada has one of the most diverse and multicultural populations in the world First Nations (Aboriginal Peoples) account for ~4% of the population Canadians are predominantly of European historical descent (only around 28 000 Latvians), although immigrants are increasingly coming from Asia and the Middle East These maps show where our First Nations’ communities are located (top), as well as our major sources of immigration (bottom)

7. Political Geography Capital City: Ottawa 10 provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador. 3 territories: Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Territory. Image Credit: Natural Resources Canada, Political Divisions, www.canada.gc.ca.

8. Some Major Canadian Cities Calgary Toronto Vancouver Québec City Montréal Ottawa Halifax

9. Natural Regions These regions are different due to unique: Animal life Plant life Climate Soil-type Physiographic form Water systems Image Credit: Natural Resources Canada, Ecological Framework, www.canada.gc.ca

10. Regional Diversity Canadian Rainforest Emerald Lake Iqaluit Newfoundland Great Slave LakeSouthern SaskatchewanKillarney Provincial Park

11. Canada’s Biodiversity Beaver Cougar / Mountain Lion / Puma Porcupine Polar BearRaccoon Canada Lynx Common Loon Orca / Killer Whale

12. Natural Resources and Economy Major Canadian resources/goods: Aircraft Gold Crude Oil Beef Wheat (Kvieši) Coal Natural Gas Fresh Water Cars Fertilizers Uranium Wood

13. Government of Canada Who is the leader of Canada? The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada (Head of Government) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada (Head of State) His Excellency the Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston, Governor General and Commander- in-Chief in and over Canada (The Representative of the Queen in Canada)

14. Federal Government Type of Government: Federal Parliamentary Democracy under Constitutional Monarchy The Canadian SystemParliament Hill, Ottawa Unlike the unicameral parliament of Latvia, our parliament is bicameral, composed of our ‘Lower House’ – The House of Commons, and our ‘Upper House” – The Senate

15. Our Arctic Region The Arctic part of Canada is an integral part of our country and heritage 40% of our landmass is in the Arctic (making up 25% of the global Arctic) Interest in the Arctic is growing as it becomes more accessible due to Global Warming:  Shipping  Land claims  Resources  Integration  Infrastructure The Arctic: there are a number of disputed borders and claims in the Arctic region. Image Credit: Cowling, James. “Arctic oil exploration: Potential riches and problems”, BBC News, August 31, 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14728856. Northwest Passage

16. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2013-2015 Social and Economic Development  Infrastructure  Housing  Services  Resources Exercising our Sovereignty  Regulation of shipping  Response ability and presence Environmental Sustainability  Protecting wildlife and our water  Our ‘environmental heritage’  Ensuring responsible development Improving Northern Governance  Enhancing local ability and capacity  Devolving governance from centrality CCGS Amundsen, Medium Icebreaker Class Resolute Bay, Nunavut

18. Values:  Quality  Diversity  Integrity  Tolerance  Safety  Equality www.educationau-incanada.ca The Imagine Brand was created by the Government of Canada and is funded by the federal, provincial and territorial governments together Educational Institutions under the Image Brand are guaranteed by the Government of Canada to provide you with the highest quality education, and in a safe, modern and tolerant environment

19. 1. Quality Education at Affordable Costs  Canada has 5 universities in the top 101 universities of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (2013)  Cheaper compared with the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand; Canada is the affordable choice! Why Canada? Comparative Tuition Costs CANADAAUSTRALIA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES Bachelor of Arts$9,924$11,706$14,609$26,294 Bachelor of Business $10,197$12,265$15,044$27,178 Bachelor of Science $9,924$13,926$18,956$27,445 Bachelor of Education $9,867$11,687$14,346$25,916 Bachelor of Engineering $11,303$14,469$18,992$28,048 Bachelor of Information Technology $10,431$13,415$18,301$27,445

20. 2. Study, Work, Immigrate – 3 in 1 advantage!  Get a job while studying!  Stay and work for a couple of years after you graduate  Studying in Canada makes it much easier to immigrate! For complete information, visit: www.cic.gc.cawww.cic.gc.ca 3. Ability to learn both English and French  Build on your multilingual advantage! Why Canada? www.educationau-incanada.ca

21. 4. Canada supports Multiculturalism  Prepare to feel welcome in our inclusive society  There are people in Canada from all over the world, and you will feel like less of an outsider than anywhere else! 5. Clean and Safe Environment  Canadian cities are some of the safest on Earth! Why Canada? www.educationau-incanada.ca

23. Educational Institutions in Canada Universities University Colleges Polytechnic Institutes Institutes of Technology Community Colleges Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology In Quebec, Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (CÉGEPS) It is important for you to research and decide what kind of credentials you want to receive, as every school and program can potentially give you something different. www.educationau-incanada.ca Academic Applied/Practical

24. What you need… Contact the school directly!  Apply early: at least 8 months before term starts Submit official academic transcripts and language test scores (if applicable) Acceptance is based on academic merit Apply by mail or online www.educationau-incanada.ca

25. What you need… You need a Study Permit to study in Canada for six months or longer Get the forms for a Study Permit online at www.cic.gc.cawww.cic.gc.ca Fill out the form Submit the following:  Proof of Identification  Letter of acceptance from the Canadian institution  Proof of financial capacity for your studies You may also need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) You may need a medical exam You must submit payment for the Study Permit and the TRV ( if required) along with your completed application www.educationau-incanada.ca

26. Master of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Guelph www.educationau-incanada.ca Areas of Focus: Animal Breeding and Genetics Animal Nutrition and Metabolism Animal Behaviour and Welfare Admission: A 4-year Honours Baccalaureate Degree Minimum average grade of 8 during the last 2 years of full-time equivalent study English language proficiency Check out the ‘graduate programs’ section of www.uoguelph.ca for more information.www.uoguelph.ca Imagine Education au/in Canada

27. Areas of Focus: Economics, Political Science (Special Topics), Ethics and Governance International Embassy Internship / Work Placement Options Admission: A 4-year Honours Baccalaureate Degree Minimum average grade of 7 during the last 2 years of full-time equivalent study English or French language proficiency (must complete one course in the other language as well) Check out the ‘graduate programs’ section of www.uottawa.ca/welcome.htmlwww.uottawa.ca/welcome.html for more information. www.educationau-incanada.ca Imagine Education au/in Canada Master of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa

28. Funding Opportunities Every institute and provincial government provides different scholarships, bursaries, and grants  Be sure to check! Example: Vanier Scholarships for doctoral students ($50,000/year over three years) www.vanier.gc.cawww.vanier.gc.ca  Latvians can apply! Please visit to see some opportunities: www.scholarships.gc.cawww.scholarships.gc.ca, www.bourses.gc.cawww.bourses.gc.ca www.educationau-incanada.ca

29. Online Resources Official Study in Canada portal………………………………... Program finder, cost calculator and study permit information. Links to provincial, territorial and individual school information. Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials… Association of Canadian Community Colleges……………… Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada……….. Canadian Bureau of International Education………………… Canadian Accredited Independent Schools………………….. Canadian Association of Public Schools – International……. Languages Canada…………………………………………….. www.educationau-incanada.ca www.cicic.ca www.accc.ca www.aucc.ca www.cbie.ca www.cais.ca www.caps-i.ca www.languagescanada.ca www.educationau-incanada.ca

30. www.Latvia.gc.ca

31. A special Canada-Latvia bilateral agreement that eases your ability to come work in Canada, and experience Canada and its culture You can come and work in Canada under these special conditions! What is International Experience Canada?

32. www.Latvia.gc.ca What are the Advantages? Stay in Canada for up to one year Experience another culture, and share your own Legally work in Canada by holding a work permit - open or employer specific

33. www.Latvia.gc.ca Who Can Apply? Latvian Citizens  Residing in Latvia Between 18 and 35 years old $2500 CAD financial resources

34. International Experience Canada 3 Different Categories: 1.Working Holiday  Travel and work anywhere in Canada  Up to 6 months study is permitted  1 year maximum stay  Any type of work! Eligibility:  Pay the fee of $150 CAD www.Latvia.gc.ca

35. 2.Young Professionals  Development of your career  Work for a specific employer anywhere in Canada  1 year maximum stay Eligibility:  Pay the fee of $150 CAD  Have received a signed letter of job offer or contract of employment in Canada that is related to your field of professional expertise (degree and/or work experience) and that supports your career development (progression or lateral movement) International Experience Canada www.Latvia.gc.ca

36. 3.International Co-op (Internship)  Designed for registered students at a post-secondary institution in Latvia and who intend to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as part of their academic curriculum ‘Gain valuable work experience in Canada related to your field of study’ Eligibility:  Pay the fee of $150 CAD  Be registered as a student in Latvia  Have received a signed letter of offer or contract for a work placement or internship in Canada that meets the requirements of your academic curriculum in Latvia International Experience Canada www.Latvia.gc.ca

37. For complete information on this program, and to apply, please visit: www.Latvia.gc.ca 1.Click the language you wish to use 2.Click on ‘International Experience Canada – For Citizens of Latvia’ If you have any questions, please send them to: riga.youth18-35@international.gc.ca Please send any other general inquiries to: rigag@international.gc.ca International Experience Canada

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