The Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program had the immense pleasure of hosting 13 GSO Ambassadors in Ottawa on September 26 and 27 for the GSO Summit.
These current post-secondary students and recent graduates represent the more than 12,500 Canadian students who have gained international learning experiences through GSO.
Karen Bunner, Travis David, Holly Doyle, Alexina Fontaine, Ryan Friars, Kayla Gauthier, Miriam James, Cassidy Jean, Yohanna Kiros, Jesse Major, Leon Mann, Jagdev Saluja Singh, and Kathryn Sawatsky came to Ottawa to meet with their Members of Parliament, participate in a panel discussion and attend a networking reception to share how their experiences studying and working abroad have benefited their lives and careers.
A highlight of the event was a panel moderated by the Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada, and Pari Johnston, President of Colleges and Institutes Canada, with Gabriel Miller, President of Universities Canada, as the MC. Six Ambassadors shared their insights on what it means to be a global citizen and how global learning experiences can create local impact.
The Ambassadors also had the opportunity to mingle with decision-makers and international education professionals at a networking reception. It was another chance for Ambassadors to share their individual stories and highlight the broader impact GSO on Canada’s post-education sector, labour market, trade objectives and international relations.
“Many of the biggest challenges Canada faces today – and will continue to face – are global in scope,” said David Johnston. “It’s only logical that the education we provide our students should be global as well.”
Global Skills Opportunity is currently a pilot program and its funding will expire in March 2025. Canada’s colleges, Cégeps and universities have been advocating for its renewal.
To that end, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Universities Canada (UnivCan) have jointly delivered a pre-budget submission in support of the renewal of GSO.
