Another milestone for Chilliwack’s new Education Park was reached in China late last week with the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding between The City of Chilliwack, the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), UCFV, Beijing Concord College of Sino-Canada, and the College of Arts and Science of Beijing Union University.  

This MOU lays out Objectives and Principles for each party including a commitment to pursue creation of the Education Park, protocols that promote open, timely communications between parties, transparency in relationships, allocation of responsibilities and expected financial roles. The MOU also lays out the general commitments for each party.

“This is another real positive step for Chilliwack, as we look to enhance economic and educational opportunities for our community” says Mayor Clint Hames, who was in Beijing for the signing. “Educational opportunities that will be provided at the Education Park are fundamental to increasing economic development. I have no doubt the establishment of an international Education Park will result in some exciting and beneficial synergies.”

“We are really pleased to obtain this MOU, as it moves the project and partnership significantly forward” notes UCFV President Skip Bassford. “It also clearly confirms UCFV’s commitments along with our Chinese university partners to establishing a unique institution that will attract Global interest.”

UCFV’s section of the MOU includes commitments to: acquire sufficient lands for development of the Education Park; establishing a major campus at the Educational Park; and continuing to work with both Chinese educational institutions towards establishment of a Chinese Cultural University at the Educational Park.

There were other key meetings in Beijing for UCFV officials on the Education Park: Board Chair Rob Nicklom and Dr. Bassford met with Mr. Gairen Yuan, the Deputy Minister for Education in China, as well as with Canadian embassy officials. “Our meeting with the Deputy Minister was really positive, in terms of this Canada-China University agreement” reports UCFV Board Chair Rob Nicklom. “To have that kind of meeting with such a high level Chinese Government official shows there is a commitment and interest to the project from China.”

The first effects of the partnership with Beijing Concord College of Sino-Canada could be witnessed as early as January, with an exchange of faculty with UCFV.  

The MOU was signed by John Jansen, CEPCO President, Mayor Hames and Ted Tisdale, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Chilliwack, Dr. Bassford and Mr.Nicklom for UCFV, and two officials from each of the two Chinese educational institutions.