Province Signs First Memorandum of Understanding with a French Speaking Country

Released on November 5, 2021

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of the Republic of Senegal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties between educational institutions and advance cooperation in research and the exchange of students and academics between the two jurisdictions.

 "Our government values this partnership with Senegal and is proud to be signing the first MOU in the history of our province with a French speaking country," Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Our province is committed to building relationships with countries around the world to strengthen intellectual and cultural linkages through research, dialogue and exchange."  

International students bring a global perspective to Saskatchewan and create opportunities for research and innovation. This MOU has an objective to collectively develop recruitment marketing strategies in French speaking countries to promote the development of the Fransaskois community, while also increasing the visibility of Saskatchewan's French programs on the world stage.

"I welcome the signing of this cooperation agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which bolsters the strong cooperative relationship maintained by Senegal and Canada," Minister of Advanced Education, Research and Innovation, Government of the Republic of Senegal Cheikh Oumar Anne said. "I hope that it will become a foundation on which we can build new academic and scientific relationships between our institutes of higher learning and research, and through which we can promote the Francophonie in our respective institutions."

Recently, the Government of Saskatchewan announced its International Education Strategy, which includes a number of initiatives related to global engagement, capacity building and leadership. This will enhance the province's profile over the next five years to attract key international markets and to help position the province as a destination of choice for international students.

The International Education Strategy, developed in partnership with the post-secondary sector, will assist institutions to attract international students in innovative ways, while meeting commitments outlined in Saskatchewan's Growth Plan. A key component of the strategy will include supporting the growth and sustainability of French post-secondary programs in Saskatchewan through targeted recruitment in key French language markets.

Between the province's two universities and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan's post-secondary institutions have 568 active agreements with international post-secondary partners.

To learn more about the International Education Strategy, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/international-education-strategy/saskatchewan-international-education-strategy.

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