Canada represents a key recruitment market for US educational institutions.  This is due to Canada's proximity to the U.S., a common language, and the growing strength of the Canadian dollar that has made U.S. education more affordable for Canadian students.  In 2006, Canada’s expenditure levels within the education industry reached $75.7 billion, representing 16.1% of the country’s total spending allocations.  Of this amount, 67% occurred at the post-secondary level.  The Canadian education market includes approximately 1,000 private career colleges, 339 colleges and institutions, 94 accredited universities and 426 school boards.   Education in Canada is a provincial mandate, and although the Federal Government allocates significant funds, creates fee structures and new programs, most universities operate independently in terms of admission standards, degree requirements, administration of their own finances and programs. Canada is a bilingual country where education at all levels is widely available in English and French.  U.S. schools should note that the Province of Quebec's official language is French.