Government of Canada invests in infrastructure at NorQuest College

$1.38-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

EDMONTON, April 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today, the Government of Canada is investing $1.38 million for a total combined investment of $3.25 million in NorQuest College, which will help foster the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan 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 exemplifies that vision in action.

NorQuest College will use the funding to upgrade the roof and windows of the South Learning Centre and to establish the NorQuest Innovation Studio. The studio will provide a space for business, industry and community partners to work with students and researchers on solutions to today's challenges, such as developing new training opportunities to address industry skills gaps.

Funding for NorQuest College includes:

• $1.38 million from the Government of Canada; and
• $1.87 million from NorQuest College.

The total investment from all funding partners is $3.25 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Alberta will receive over $500 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be 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.

Quotes

"This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a 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 middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes."
? The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This displays a vote of confidence in NorQuest College from the federal government. It is encouraging to know that our priorities match when it comes to leading global innovation. The benefits of this partnership will well serve NorQuest students, our researchers and society."
? Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President and CEO, NorQuest College

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $225 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Alberta. NorQuest College has been awarded $1.38 million by the federal government to upgrade infrastructure and establish the NorQuest Innovation Studio.
• This investment supports Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan, which is designed to ensure our country 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 Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
• Innovation and Skills Plan

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada