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Alberta’s government is telling four universities in the province to stop seeking research projects that have any link to the Chinese government.
First reported by the Globe and Mail Monday, the order from Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides affects the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, the University of Lethbridge and Athabasca University.
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In a letter, Nicolaides asks the four comprehensive academic and research universities to pause the pursuit of any new or renewed partnerships linked to the Chinese government or ruling Chinese Communist Party, to undertake a thorough review of their institution’s relationships with any potentially linked entities, and ensure these ongoing partnerships follow stringent risk assessments and due diligence
Alberta Tells Universities to Suspend Pursuit of Partnerships With China
Alberta’s advanced education minister has sent a letter to four of the province’s universities asking them to pause their pursuit of new or renewed partnerships with organizations linked with China or the Chinese Communist Party.
A ministry spokesman said in an email that Demetrios Nicolaides has also asked the four comprehensive academic and research institutions to thoroughly review their relationships with entities that are potentially linked with the People’s Republic of China and its governing party.
The letter asks that the review ensures “these ongoing partnerships follow stringent risk assessments and due diligence.”
The universities have 90 days to submit a report with the requested information to Alberta’s Advanced Education Ministry.
The University of Calgary said in an email that it has received the letter and is reviewing it, but isn’t able to comment at this time.
The University of Alberta acknowledged it, too, received the minister’s letter and will be responding. It also referred to a statement made earlier this month by Walter Dixon, interim vice-president of research and innovation, which said the school has asked the federal government for guidance on the issue.
Dixon said the university looks forward to guidelines expected late next month from a working group of the federal government and universities that’s dealing with national security as it relates to funding and research partnerships.
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