The Association of Canadian Community Colleges with Microsoft Canada Puts the Spotlight on IT Careers and Innovation

Together they will create awareness of the innovative career opportunities that exist in the Information Communications Technology sector

Ottawa, ON, - October 30, 2007 - The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), which represents 150 colleges, institutes of technology, university-colleges and cégeps across Canada, is pleased to announce that Microsoft Canada Co. is joining the ACCC Corporate Alliance Partnership Program. Together, Microsoft Canada and ACCC will help raise awareness among students about the career opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in an effort to increase ICT enrollment in Canada’s colleges and institutes.

To sustain Canada’s economic prosperity, a highly skilled, highly productive workforce is crucial. Colleges and institutes are key players in producing that workforce, especially in the ICT sector. ACCC understands the importance of working with both private and public organizations to foster growth in the ICT market and established its Corporate Alliance Program in 2001 in an effort to deliver additional value added services to Canadian colleges and institutes.

“ACCC is pleased that Microsoft has joined the Association's select group of Corporate Alliance Partners. The calibre of Microsoft technology and service, and key involvement in ACCC programs are viewed as important and significant value-added services to our large network of colleges and institutes of technology. Working together, we are taking the right steps to nurture and grow the ICT sector that is critical to Canada’s success in a global knowledge economy," said Gerald Brown, president, ACCC.

ACCC and Microsoft Canada will create an Awards Program that will celebrate the innovative use of software application in college and institute ICT programs across Canada. Microsoft will also sponsor the Student Connections Program, which is managed by ACCC on behalf of the Youth Employment Strategy and Industry Canada. Student Connections provides on-site customized Internet and computer training and e-business services for small- and medium-size enterprises and seniors, delivered by students.

“The current talent shortage in the ICT sector is not simply an industry problem; it affects the entire country in the ability to compete in a global marketplace. Microsoft is committed to helping students understand the vast and exciting IT career opportunities available and encouraging future innovation,” said Mark Relph, director, developer and platform, Microsoft Canada. “We are excited to collaborate with ACCC’s member institutions to help develop programs that will reward individuals, recognize the strength of Canada’s ICT programs and generate enthusiasm and pride for students at the college level.”

- 30 -

About ACCC
Created in 1972, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) is the national and international voice of 150 colleges and institutes. With an Ottawa-based Secretariat, ACCC interacts with federal departments and agencies on the members' behalf and links college and institute capabilities to national industries. As another part of its mandate, ACCC organizes conferences and workshops to facilitate college and institute networking and participation in national and international activities such as sector studies, awards programs and linkages. For more information, visit www.accc.ca.

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has 10 regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

©2007 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact:

Michèle Clarke
Director, Corporate and Community Relations
Association of Canadian Community Colleges
(613) 746-2222 ext. 3150

or

Jeff Ewin
IT Pro Audience Manager
Microsoft Canada
(905) 363-8467

(Download PDF version)