Message from the President:
It is with regret and sadness that we are notifying you of the decision made by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) Authorities to abolish the Understanding Canada-Canadian Studies Program. The ICCS Secretariat will have until March 31, 2013 to close the books, prepare final reports, communicate with grant award holders, etc.
Nevertheless the AGM Meeting will take place in May at DFAIT as previously scheduled where we will have the opportunity to discuss this terrible ministerial decision taken by the Canadian Government.
Missions abroad are in the process of communicating the bad news to all Associations and Canadian Studies Partners.
We were also advised that the program of the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States (Fullbright program) which was under the responsibility of the Understanding Canada unit will not be affected by this decision.
At this time the Executive Committee and Executive Director of ICCS are formulating an action plan to preserve ICCS. We will be in touch with details as soon as possible.
Patrick James, President of ICCS