Dear Chinese Canadianists: Academic relations play an important role in the overall strategic partnership between Canada and China.  As the Counsellor for Public Affairs at the Canadian Embassy, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize your continued interest in teaching and studying Canadian issues in China and your effort to promote academic relations between our two countries.   As you are aware,  the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has undertaken a review of Canadian Studies program.  I am delighted to inform you that the revamped program for Canadian Studies-- "Understanding Canada: Canadian Studies" is officially effective  as of  April 1st, 2008. The new "Understanding Canada" program will continue to respect academic freedom, but is also structured to be aligned to Canada's strategy in China.  This new approach has placed greater emphasis on the promotion of institutional linkages and collaborative research with Canadian institutions. I would like to invite you to visit the new website at the following URL link: http:// http://www.international.gc.ca/fac/studies-etudes/index.aspx.  You will find guidelines and application form of each grant program on the web site.   We believe that high-quality academic projects will greatly help to promote our bilateral academic relations and increase Canada's visibility.  To this end, I strongly encourage you to participate in the nation-wide competition. Please submit your application form by email to Ms. Wang Li, Academic Relations Officer at the Embassy before May 9, 2008. The Canadian Embassy and our Consulates General will continue to strongly support you to promote activities and developments in Canadian Studies. If you have any questions or need any assistance from the Embassy, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Wang Li at 5139-4052.  Yours sincerely,  Patrice CousineauCounsellor for Public Affairs  Canadian Embassy, Ambassade du Canada 19 Dongzhimenwai Daijie Chao Yang District Beijing 100600