The Saudi Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, along with the accompanying education delegation, visited several educational institutions and universities in Canada, where he met with numerous officials and investors as part of the visit program conducted from February 12th to 13th, 2024. During the visit, they explored investment opportunities in education, aiming to attract investments to the Kingdom, foster scientific and research collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Canada across all scientific domains, and gain insights into the best international educational experiences and practices. The visit also aimed to enhance partnerships between the Ministry of Education and Canadian universities and colleges. On the first day of the visit, the Minister met with the President and leadership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Ottawa. Discussions revolved around cooperation opportunities in medical training and plans for accrediting medical programs in Saudi universities. The Saudi delegation also visited the "Heritage Academy," which specialises in educating students with learning difficulties including autism, dyslexia, and hyperactivity disorder across all grades of public education. They reviewed available curricula and special education teaching methods, while also discussing partnership opportunities with relevant entities in the Kingdom. During their visit to the University of Ottawa and meetings with faculty deans and leaders, the delegation discussed plans for collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Saudi universities in research, innovation, and student as well as academic exchange. They also explored investment opportunities available in the Kingdom's education sector. Additionally, the delegation visited the Stem Cell Research Center within the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) affiliated with the University of Ottawa. There, they were briefed on the latest technologies and therapeutic applications for stem cell research. On the second day, the delegation's visits to Toronto included meetings with the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development in Ontario, as well as with the President of the University of Toronto and its staff. They discussed cooperation opportunities and the exchange of faculty and students in various fields offered by the university. Moreover, they visited the Eric Jackman Institute for Child Study (JICS), affiliated with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), to explore practical applications of modern educational methods and theories from nursery to sixth grade. The delegation also held meetings with technology and training companies operating in the education sector at the university's headquarters. Additionally, they visited the Digital Media Zone (DMZ) at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), renowned as the world's top university-based business incubator, dedicated to nurturing and supporting talented student entrepreneurs.
