Huntington University is celebrating the official launch of the Peruvian Canadian Institute.
The Peruvian Canadian Institute, which will be housed at Huntington University, aims to support and foster enhanced relationships between both nations through activities such as a fellowship program, scholarships and the hosting of events in both countries.
The founding of the institute was spearheaded by Dr. Kevin McCormick, president and vice-chancellor of Huntington University and founding president of the Peruvian Canadian Institute, along with Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, and founding chair of the Peruvian Canadian Institute advisory council.
In a press release, McCormick call the establishment of the Peruvian Canadian Institute “truly historic” and the first institute of its kind to develop build bridges between Canada and Peru.
“I especially want to thank MP Marc Serré for his leadership, with me, in the development and launch of the Peruvian Canadian Institute,” said McCormick. “As we move into 2021, the 200th anniversary of Peruvian Independence, we will endeavour to highlight and celebrate remarkable individuals and groups in both countries while building dynamic partnerships in a multitude of areas including education, the economy, politics, resource management, trade and culture.”
Serré said the institute will foster stronger economic and cultural relationships between the two countries.
“We are bringing together leaders from both countries, as well as several sectors including education and mining, to promote Peru and Canada and to foster enhanced relations between both countries,” said Serré. “In the coming year, you can expect to see exciting things from the Peruvian Canadian Institute, including events and activities that will focus on celebrating and highlighting outstanding contributions in culture, education, diplomatic relations, business and mining, and more.”
The institute was unveiled publicly on Dec. 4 in a virtual ceremony. Participating were invited guests from Canada and Peru, as well as participation from the ambassador of Canada to Peru and the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Peru, along with ambassadors representing Latin American countries, the parliamentary secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), and representatives from local government, mining groups, educational institutions, and more.
Peru’s Canadian ambassador, Roberto Rodriquez, said the Peruvian Institute strengthens longstanding ties between the two countries.
“The establishment of the Peruvian Canadian Institute is a significant step in the longstanding collaboration between our two countries,” said Roberto Rodriquez, ambassador of Peru to Canada. “This relevant initiative put forward by Dr. Kevin McCormick of Huntington University and Mr. Marc Serré, MP, will serve not only to the showcase Peruvian culture in Greater Sudbury and Canada, but also represents a platform to enhance partnerships on education, trade and technological innovation.”
Rodriquez’s sentiments were echoed by Canada’s ambassador to Peru, Ralph Jansen.
“None of the contemporary challenges we face – COVID-19, climate change, economic inequality and humanitarian crises – can be solved alone,” said Ralph Jansen, ambassador of Canada to Peru. “They all require us to work and innovate together, and the Peruvian Canada Institute will be an important collaborative tool for advancing these vital joint efforts.”
