CLIC Welcomes Four New Member Universities
May 5, 2026
The Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) is proud to announce that Concordia University, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, and York University have officially joined the consortium. This expansion brings our membership to 12 leading Canadian institutions, significantly broadening the scope of our collective impact.
As CLIC celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, the addition of the four universities underscores a decade of success in fostering academic exchange between Canada and China. These new members bring deep-rooted partnerships and a shared dedication to expanding global opportunities for students.
A Vision for Collaborative Growth
The consortium’s growth reflects a commitment to meaningful and reciprocal engagement with China that began a decade ago. Verna Yiu, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Alberta—CLIC’s founding and leading institution—shares her perspective on this milestone:
“When we first reached out to Canada’s leading comprehensive universities, our goal was to build a collaborative network committed to meaningful, reciprocal engagement with China. Seeing Concordia University, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and York University join CLIC is a strong affirmation of that vision. Their participation not only broadens the consortium’s reach, but also strengthens our collective ability to create transformative global learning experiences for students and deepen institutional partnerships at a critical moment for international education.”
Insights from CLIC’s New Members
The new consortium members bring a wealth of experience in internationalization and a long history of engagement with Chinese partner institutions, and shared their excitement for this new relationship.
Concordia University
William Cheaib, Associate Vice-President, International Relations:
“Concordia University is pleased to join the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) consortium. This reflects a long history of engagement with China, from early academic exchanges and research collaborations to more recent student mobility and language study opportunities. Building on these established relationships, including sustained partnerships with Chinese institutions and programs that support study and research in China, Concordia looks forward to expanding meaningful international learning experiences.”
Simon Fraser University
Vinitha Gengatharan, Executive Lead, International:
“Simon Fraser University has been actively engaged with partners in China for over 40 years. We are honoured to join the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) consortium to facilitate transformative learning experiences for students, advancing our mutual commitment to global engagement and collaboration while strengthening academic relations between Canada and China.”
University of Victoria
Tricia Best, Director, International Centre for Students:
“The University of Victoria is delighted to join the prestigious CLIC consortium and looks forward to a productive and mutually beneficial relationship. We are excited to collaborate with fellow members to advance shared goals and strengthen international engagement.”
York University
Dr. Douglas Proctor, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement & Partnerships:
“York University is excited to join the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) consortium.
By providing Canadian students with funding to engage in transformative international experiences that enhance their academic, cultural, and professional development, members of the CLIC consortium reflect a shared commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
The consortium also plays a vital role in strengthening enduring academic partnerships between Canadian and Chinese institutions, fostering mutual understanding and collaborative scholarship through high-impact study and research opportunities in China.
York University is honoured to join this national initiative and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
The impact of CLIC continues to scale. During the 2025–2026 academic year, 136 students studied in China through the program. With four new member institutions, we anticipate even greater participation in the upcoming year.
As we enter our second decade, CLIC remains a vital bridge for academic exchange between Canada and China. By championing collaborative scholarship and hands-on international experience, we ensure our students are prepared to lead and innovate on the global stage.