Colleges and Institutes Canada (hereafter referred as CICan) isthe national, voluntary membership organization representing publicly supportedcolleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics in Canada and internationally. CICanchampions the innovations, applied research, international development, and theemployment or entrepreneurial opportunities that are created by its memberinstitutions and partners all over the world. CICan’s members work withindustry and social sectors to train learners of all ages and backgrounds atover 670 locations serving urban, rural, and remote communities across Canada.The association is committed to quality education and skills developmentopportunities for all. As centres of excellence and community hubs, colleges and institutesplay an important role in tackling the challenges posed by the agingpopulation. They provide research, education and training to improve quality oflife for seniors, incorporate new technologies in elder care, and respond tolabour-market needs in the sector.

Inorder to further expand international exchange and cooperation in elder careand to bring introduce Canada’s good practices to China to inform the latter’seffort to build a strong elder care system, after friendly consultation, SSIDC and CICan have agreed tostrengthen cooperation on elder care education and training and other relatedareas by signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

SSIDC and CICan will establish mechanisms for cooperation and sharing of resources so as to introduce Canada’s experience and good practices to China andcontribute to quality improvement and market development of elder care in China.