Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

by Contributed - Story: 80384
Sep 15, 2012 / 5:00 am

We often hear that Canada’s prosperity as a nation is increasingly based on investments in education and training, basic and applied research, and highly skilled and creative individuals.

Since 2006, our federal government has invested nearly $8 billion in funding for initiatives supporting science, technology, post secondary education, and the growth of innovation firms in Canada to create the knowledge and skilled workforce that is required for a more prosperous economy.

Particularly in our post secondary institutions, we look to support post secondary research that sparks the creation of new knowledge, products, services and policies that support Canada’s economic competitiveness, strengthen social foundations, sustain the environment and improve our quality of life.

That is why Prime Minister Harper and the federal government introduced the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program in Budget 2008.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, named for distinguished Canadian soldier and diplomat Major-General the Right Honourable Georges Philias Vanier (1888-1967) and Governor General of Canada from 1959 to 1967, aim to attract and retain world-class scholars and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.

Scholarship recipients are awarded $50,000 each year for up to three years and are open to both Canadian and international PhD students studying at Canadian universities.

Scholarship candidates must go through a rigorous selection process including evaluation by selection committees established by Canada’s three research granting agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Recommendations are made and then endorsed by the Vanier-Banting Board.

It gives me great pleasure to note that the Chair if the Vanier-Banting Board is none other than Kelowna’s own Robert Thirsk the distinguished engineer, physician and Canadian Space Agency astronaut who holds the Canadian records for the longest space flight (187 days 20 hours) and the most time spent in space (204 days 18 hours). Mr. Thirsk was awarded the Order of British Columbia (OBC) this year.

The recent announcement of 156 scholarships in August 2012 brings the total number of scholarships awarded since the inception of the program to 660. Of the recently announced 156 scholarships, 24 were awarded to graduates studying at BC universities including the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria.

The deadline for nomination by university in the next round of scholarships is November 6, 2012 (8:00 p.m. Eastern time). Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the Canadian university at which they would like to study to determine the application deadline. Those interested may also visit the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships website for more information at www.vanier.gc.ca.

Likewise, although I will be returning to Ottawa for the opening of the next parliamentary session, which begins September 17th, please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office if you have any questions or concerns about any of the federal government’s programs and services at 250 470-5075 or via e-mail at ron@cannan.ca .

Ron Cannan is the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country.

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Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and Regional Government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa.

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chamber of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, women’s resources and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

He is also a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates.

In previous Parliaments Ron has been a member of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee, the Human Resources and Social Development Committee, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and Co-chair of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada. Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine, in particular those vintages not readily available through provincial liquor control outlets. His motion is now a bill before the House of Commons sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which is well on its way to being passed. Passage of the bill will create awareness and boost sales for some of Canada’s smaller wineries while generating national pride and international recognition of the award winning efforts of Canada’s vintners.
The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa.

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He works closely with the local Chamber of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, women’s resources and support of arts and culture.

He is also a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada. Ron tabled Motion 218 (formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment. 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.
 
Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy and daughters Amanda, Ashley and Amy and his grandsons Marcel and Nolan. His hobbies include music and sports.

The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet presents its columns "as is" and does not warrant the contents.

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