On Friday Canadian universities reached a significant agreement with the government to smooth the exchange of skilled academics between Canada and the rest of the World.
Back in late 2014 the Canadian government, unintentionally, made it harder for universities to recruit valuable international faculty while trying to improve with the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) legislation.
Under the new proposals, negotiated by the AUCC, universities can choose to submit a transition plan for overseas recruitment through the AUCC rather than to the federal government. Christine Tausig-Ford, Vice President and CEO of the AUCC has welcomed the new proposal, saying “they are looking for solutions that meet both federal government objectives and the “needs and mandate of universities to recruit top academic talent from around the world”
Canadian universities have always been global in their outlook and approach. It is part of the character of Canada and is reflected in both the student and academic community at leading Canadian universities. My own professors at the University of Ottawa came from around the world, and when I moved to South Africa I was again taught by Canadians.
Professor of Economics, Frances Woolley, from Ottawa’s Carleton University was quoted in the Global and Mail saying “You are looking at a culture where people feel they are part of an international community. Why shouldn’t they hire internationally?” Woolley has written on academic hiring in her own discipline and contributes regular articles to the national newspaper.
The solution reached by Canadian universities will be of interest to our GAJobs members in other countries where universities sometimes feel handicapped by Government visa regulations. We know our partners in South Africa and India will take a keen interest in this development, as will all our readers aspiring to a truly international academic career.
Wendy Stone
