By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Politics

Province taking steps to protect post-secondary international relationships

Oct 6, 2022 | 1:12 PM

Alberta’s government says it is exploring a new approach to post-secondary institutions’ international agreements.

Gordon Houlden, described by the province as a respected former Canadian diplomat and academic with 36 years’ experience working on China affairs, will conduct this review. Working with governments, agencies and institutions, officials say Houlden will provide advice on an approach to post-secondary international relationships that balances innovation and competitiveness with risk mitigation.

“It is imperative that we protect Alberta’s and Canada’s economic and security interests while enabling post-secondary agreements that advance research and innovation for the greater good,” says Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta.

“We need to ensure our researchers can work with counterparts around the world in the safest way possible. I’m looking forward to the insights from this important work,” adds Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education.

“Through their international connections, Alberta’s universities generate innovation and prosperity, but their research warrants protection from those who would take advantage of Alberta’s openness to the world,” comments Houlden, director emeritus, China Institute at the University of Alberta.

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The government says Houlden will work with the province’s comprehensive academic and research universities to identify areas of risk and potential mitigation measures.

Houlden’s review is expected to explore topics important to post-secondary research such as new innovations, commercialization and intellectual property. His work will help inform a balanced approach to post-secondary international agreements and relationships that advance research for the greater good.