Government of Canada invests in post-secondary infrastructure in Saskatchewan

$1.97-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

SASKATOON, 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's investment of $1.97 million in the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 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.

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies will receive $1.71 million in federal funding for infrastructure upgrades at its Saskatoon campus. Work includes bringing the ventilation system up to current standards and replacing the weather barrier sealant as part of the Institute's Building Envelope Upgrade project.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic will receive $261,250 in federal funding for the construction of a wet lab at its educational facility at Candle Lake. This will enhance applied research and learning capacity in the engineering, environmental sciences and natural resources programs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, while also helping to advance alternative energy research in the north. The new wet lab will provide learners with industry-relevant research and training opportunities and will pay homage to the important cultural influence of neighbouring First Nations communities.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Saskatchewan will receive close to $139 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding has been 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 Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Investments in the infrastructure of our post-secondary system help our students and support our economy. The projects being funded at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Saskatchewan Polytechnic will enhance learning and research facilities, creating better learning environments for our students."
? The Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education

"The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is very pleased with the Government of Canada's investment in our infrastructure. This investment will allow SIIT to modernize our heating and cooling systems and seal the exterior of our building to improve energy efficiency. Investments like this ensure SIIT can focus on building a diverse, skilled workforce through post-secondary education and training programs."
? Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

"The Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Facility, a partnership between Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation [SWF] and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is the only facility of its kind in Western Canada. This generous investment represents another step in the evolution of the award-winning Hannin Creek facility at.Candle Lake. The investment will be used to build a new indoor lab for improved education and applied research opportunities, enabling Sask Polytech students, SWF and other provincial, national and international research and educational bodies to experience working in Saskatchewan's boreal forest."
? Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $65 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies has been awarded $1.71 million by the federal government for infrastructure upgrades to its campus. Saskatchewan Polytechnic will receive $261,250 in federal funding for the construction of a wet lab at its educational facility at Candle Lake.
• 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.
• The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is a partner in Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy and has secured over $5 million from aerospace and defence contractors to support its aircraft maintenance engineering program and the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre. This serves the pressing needs identified by the aviation industry and increases the success of First Nation students seeking to enter the aviation trades.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
• Innovation and Skills Plan
• Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada