News Article

College signs MOU with military


12/10/2007 5:24:56 PM


A powerful lineup of guest speakers was in attendance for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between College of the North Atlantic (CNA) and the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA).


CNA President Jean Madill and Dr. Jim Barrett, CDA director of learning management, sign the official document signifying the new agreement between CNA and CDA to train military personnel and their families.

Stephenville, NL – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) and the Canadian Department of National Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, December 10, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the college’s DSB Fowlow Building in Stephenville.

The partnership struck under this MOU is part of the Canadian Forces Continuing Education Program (CFCEP). The program’s objective is to provide further educational opportunities to Canadian Forces members and their families and to Department of National Defence civilian employees and their families.

“New and complex demands on the Canadian Forces (CF), particularly with the current conflict in Afghanistan, are having a large impact on Canadian Forces training and education,” said Dr. Jim Barrett, Director of Learning and Innovation at the Canadian Defence Academy.

“It was that need that first brought us to College of the North Atlantic, but what will bring us back is the breadth, the depth and the high quality of the programs we find here. This modern Canadian community college is a truly impressive institution, with rich connections to the working world. It is our hope and expectation that this agreement will make for the Canadian Forces, and the college, even more of these connections and new opportunities that will bring real benefit to both parties,” said Barrett.

CNA is already delivering trades training to the Canadian Forces under a previous initiative. Some 60 military personnel are training in existing program areas such as culinary arts in Stephenville, automotive mechanics in Stephenville Crossing and fire fighting at the Marine Institute’s Safety and Emergency Response Training facility in Stephenville.

Students enrolled in the existing trades training are housed in military-like quarters at the campus’ residence, to support the high operational pace demanded of the Canadian Forces. Upon successful completion of their studies, many will be awarded diplomas and/or credits toward diplomas for completion at a later date.

“While we have a full portfolio across all regular program areas, we have been equally resourceful in offering CF training in such areas as fire fighting, aviation, law enforcement, fisheries and health sciences, to name a few,” said CNA President Jean Madill.

“We believe the key attraction to our facility is the quality of trades training coupled with convenient location, residence facilities and the simultaneous ease of access to several programs. The college and community benefit greatly through the association with Canada’s military and through the additional hires required to meet the needs of this group. Economically, the community has gained 15 new jobs in the college and the tuitions of those military personnel studying with us,” said Madill.

Also taking place during the event was an announcement of additional funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the provincial government to assist the college and the Marine Institute with expanding their training capacity for the military.

Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and ACOA, and the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, announced an investment of over $660,000 to build capacity at two educational institutions in Stephenville to facilitate military training in the town.


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