Objectives The Committee on International Cooperation (CIC) has the following objectives: To promote communication and collaboration between CPS members and plant pathologists, plant pathology societies and related scientific organizations in other countries. To facilitate the continuity and coordination of international activities by the CPS, including formal contacts with the International Society of Plant Pathology. To promote the science of plant pathology and sustainability of crop production, especially in developing countries, through research, extension, teaching and professional development. Strategies The key strategies need to accomplish the objectives listed above are as follows: Communication - Gathering and dissemination of information on international plant pathology and the activities of allied scientific societies and organizations. The main means of communicating about the programs and operation of the CPS will be though its Internet home page and publications and via direct, personal contacts by the Executive Board and it’s members. Collaboration - Individual and group consultations on organizational and scientific endeavours of mutual interest. This could involve joint planning, conduct and assessment of various programs and projects of a short-term nature. Coordination - Efficient use of personnel, time and resources to accomplish stated objectives. The CIC may be able to assist the CPS Board, CPS members and scientific organizations and agencies in Canada with identifying opportunities for international collaboration and in discussing issues such as the nurturing of plant pathology in developing countries, the global movement of plant diseases, and the sustainability of agricultural crop production through effective disease management. Activities Research - Fostering collaboration between Canadian and Foreign plant pathologists, e.g. helping to establish initial contacts, facilitating travel, and transferring research information, materials and equipment. Extension - Encouraging the exchange of information on the biology, diagnosis and management of diseases on economically important plants and crops. Teaching - Promoting educational opportunities in plant pathology through activities such as sharing curricula and teaching aids, organizing courses workshops and seminars, scholary exchanges, assisting libraries, and improving graduate education programs. Professional Development - Enabling plant pathologists in developing countries to enhance their scientific and human resource management skills through internship and mentorship programs, the development of international networks, and sponsorship of staff exchange programs. Membership The core membership of the CIC shall be 8-10 people chosen on the basis of their interest and experience in and commitment to international cooperation and collaboration. Members shall normally serve a three-year term and be replaced on a rotational basis (3 members per year) to insure continuity of committee activities. New members shall be formally appointed by the CPS Board upon the recommendation of the CIC. Members shall elect a Chairperson from amongst their ranks on an annual basis. The CIC may have ex-officio advisors consisting of current or past CPS members or others with particular skills or knowledge that could help the committee further its objectives. The Vice-President, CPS, shall be an ex-officio member of the CIC. Responsibilities The CIC shall endeavour to meet the objectives stated above. The committee shall hold an annual meeting, which will normally be in conjunction with the CPS Annual Meeting. The Chairperson shall be responsible for preparing an annual report on committee activities for the Society. All financial transactions of the CIC shall be reported to the Treasurer in advance of the annual meeting. All major policies and initiatives of the CIC must be approved, in advance, by the CPS Board.