This document discusses how in September 2001, 60 college presidents and 40 senior federal officials met in Ottawa, Canada to discuss different ways to improve Canada's educational system. The meeting was planned in order to strengthen Canada's ability to compete with other nations in the global market. The following are the three main goals of those involved in the meeting: (1) building mutually beneficial partnerships between Canadian businesses and colleges; (2) to familiarize government officials with the needs of Canadian colleges; and (3) to facilitate the participation of college and institute leaders in the federal policy development. This document discusses the various topics that were addressed during the meeting in detail. Those who attended the meeting declared it a success for the following reasons: (1) creating awareness in the federal government of the needs and goals of the Canadian colleges; (2) colleges gaining an understanding of the complex processes of the federal government; (3) the meeting created a possibility of a strong national voice that could help Canada improve its standing in the global market; and (4) the meeting created a desire to make this an annual event that will continue the creation of strong bonds between colleges and the federal government. (MZ)