Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of an $18.5 million investment in the College of the North Atlantic Bay St. George Campus in Stephenville.
This joint federal-provincial investment was announced by Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for the Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber – Gros Morne and by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and MHA for Corner Brook.
The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action.
The funding will support the Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence in Teaching, Innovation and Industrial Research which will be a modern and functional facility for the delivery of Heavy Equipment Industrial Trades programs at the College of the North Atlantic. Of the $18.5 million investment, $9.25 million will come from the federal government and $9.25 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The funding from the Government of Canada is being allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.
That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Encouraging scientific awareness in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
“This investment in College of the North Atlantic is an investment in the future of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It will permit the college to increase current enrollment, explore partnerships with industry, engage in industry research, and ultimately, have a positive, direct impact on the provincial economy.”
– Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber – Gros Morne
“With the help of the Strategic Investment Fund, College of the North Atlantic’s teaching and learning facility will be the model for the heavy equipment industry. It will be leading edge in its resources, energy-efficient, and will have sufficient space to allow classroom and training rooms to accommodate the college’s heavy equipment programs and industry partners.”
– Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and MHA for Corner Brook.
“At the College of the North Atlantic, our ability to provide a qualified workforce to the industries in this province is dependent on our ability to produce graduates. This strategic investment here in Bay St. George will allow us to achieve our vision and provide well-trained and qualified graduates ready to handle the challenges of working in today’s and tomorrow’s environment.”
– Bob Gardiner, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, College of the North Atlantic
Quick facts
The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeban-Simmons
Director of Public Affairs
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7817
heidi.staeben-simmons@cna.nl.ca