CANADA AND
FRANCE SIGN AGREEMENT TO EXPAND MOBILITY OF YOUNG
PEOPLE AGED 18 TO 35
Minister
of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham today in Paris
signed an agreement with France, in the presence of
the Minister Responsible for Cooperation and La
Francophonie, Pierre-André Wiltzer, to
encourage and expand the mobility of young people
between 18 and 35 years of age. "We are delighted
to foster the international mobility of young
Canadians," said Minister Graham. "This agreement
will enable some 7,000 young Canadians each year to
gain international experience, thereby helping to
make Canada a world leader in the global knowledge
economy." The new agreement will bring to 14,000
the total number of places for Canadian and French
young people to complete a field placement or to
finish their studies as part of an exchange
program, while travelling and working
occasionally.
This
agreement, whose main goal is to consolidate and
streamline administrative procedures for obtaining
an extended residence permit and work permit, will
contribute to a better understanding of our
respective cultures in all areas.
Beginning in 2004, this
agreement will enable young Canadians to spend time
touring France and exploring its culture, while
having permission to work. In addition, students
will be able to pursue professional activities in
France during their university holidays, as well as
fulfilling part of their university curriculum in a
French school through an inter-university
agreement. Lastly, young professionals will be able
to sharpen their skills through employment
contracts, and students will be able to obtain
field placements to fulfil their course and
training requirements. To date, the Working Holiday
Program has enabled numerous young Canadians and
French to work in the other country during their
university holidays. In 2003, Canada issued some
4,000 visas to young French people.
For further information,
media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard. Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 613)
995-1851
Media Relations Office,
Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade (613) 995-1874 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Minister
of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham today in Paris
signed an agreement with France, in the presence of
the Minister Responsible for Cooperation and La
Francophonie, Pierre-André Wiltzer, to
encourage and expand the mobility of young people
between 18 and 35 years of age. "We are delighted
to foster the international mobility of young
Canadians," said Minister Graham. "This agreement
will enable some 7,000 young Canadians each year to
gain international experience, thereby helping to
make Canada a world leader in the global knowledge
economy." The new agreement will bring to 14,000
the total number of places for Canadian and French
young people to complete a field placement or to
finish their studies as part of an exchange
program, while travelling and working
occasionally.
This
agreement, whose main goal is to consolidate and
streamline administrative procedures for obtaining
an extended residence permit and work permit, will
contribute to a better understanding of our
respective cultures in all areas.
