The decision is understood to be part of a wider consolidation process within Global Affairs Canada and not directly related to the temporary cap on international student numbers.
The department will continue with an internal reorganisation of management duties and budgets along the current strategy themes of digital marketing, scholarships, diversification and education agents.
The International Education Division within GAC, is responsible for enhancing Canada’s profile abroad including the ability to attract international students to Canadian education institutions, and is currently headed by Jean-Philippe Tachdjian.
Part of those responsibilites include management of the EduCanada brand and the development of a new international education strategy, set for release in the fall of 2024.
The move, comes at a time when key international education stakeholders from across Canada are calling for a more integrated “whole-of-government” approach to international education exports.
Many will fear the loss of a key champion in the role of executive director will further jeopardise the ability to deliver cohesive policy
Many will fear the loss of a key champion in the role of executive director will further jeopardise the ability to deliver cohesive policy and is another set back for the sector.
The Canadian government and immigration minister Marc Miller have been criticised in recent times for the lack of consultation making policy changes.
Virginia Macchiavello, associate vice president for international development at Centennial College gave her reaction to the news, preferring to keep a positive focus on using change as a driver of innovation.
“I see it as an opportunity” said Macchiavello. “Are we making all the right decisions? Probably not, and we may have to adjust and balance these decisions [in the future] but as we do this, we can come together to look at the opportunities that forcing us to look outside the box [and innovate].”
Tachdjian has been in post as executive director since September 2022.
He will be reassigned within the trade commissioner service in the coming months. He declined to speak to The PIE and we have contacted Global Affairs Canada for a formal comment.