The proposals could create 9,000 jobs and inject CAN$500 million into the regional economy, which has suffered slow economic growth recently. 

“Opening up new markets for BC is key to our success, and I intend to lead this effort personally. I intend to be the chief salesperson for our province…” said Clark in a statement made in September while at the international building of Thompson Rivers University, which has a strong international agenda.

Overall, British Columbia competes with Ontario as the leading destination for international students at all levels in Canada receiving over 94,000 in 2009/10, 43,000 of which were students enrolled in the province’s language schools.

Combined, international students spent more than $1.8 billion in tuition, created 22,000 jobs and generated more than $66 million in revenue, making international education the fifth most important revenue sector in the province.

international education is the fifth most important revenue sector in the province

To achieve a huge new influx of foreign students, Clark promises to establish a new international education council to help build stronger relationships with other countries, and to ramp up British Columbia’s overseas marketing efforts.

However, some are sceptical after similar promises made by the former Liberal party premier, Gordon Campbell, last year came to nothing. The introduction of a new international education council when the British Columbia Council for International Education already exists has also led to confusion.

However, Minister of Advanced Education, Naomi Yamamoto, said the new council would have a broader mandate than BCCIE in implementing the Canadian government’s new international education strategy, due to be unveiled later this year. This would cover issues such as student visas and student integration.

BCCIE’s Executive Director, Randall Martin, said: “The government’s increased commitment to international education marks a welcome evolution for the sector and we look forward to working with government, our stakeholders, and international education partners in achieving these ambitious targets.”