(flickr.com/meddygarnet)

Six Canadian startups are headed to General Assembly this month, part of an initiative by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. The Canadian companies will spend three months inhaling the fumes of Silicon Alley from a pretty perch at General Assembly, thanks to a partnership between General Assembly and the Consulate General of Canada in New York.

The Canadian startups were originally told to apply by January 20 for the privilege to join the first Canadian Technology Accelerator initiative in New York City. The program requested "product-ready start-ups with high-growth potential." The startups have already been chosen and will be announced next week, but we already know one of them: Toronto-based Engagio, which just announced funding this morning, will be moving in soon.

The program is modeled after CTAs already in place in Silicon Valley, and will provide the startups with communal office space, introductions to Very Important Tech People and additional support from the Trade Commissioner Service. Companies are responsible for their visas, as well as travel, living, lodging and Argo Tea expenses. No word on whether the companies must sign a loyalty oath promising to return to the Silicon Tundra.