Minister Jordan celebrates completion of infrastructure project to improve facilities at Nova Scotia Community College

Federal investment of over $2 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NS, Feb. 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Construction and modernization of a facility at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is complete. Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, was at the NSCC Lunenburg campus on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the occasion.

NSCC received an investment of over $2 million through the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to replace the exterior wall system on campus. The province of Nova Scotia contributed $2.58 million and NSCC contributed $544,000 toward the $5.1-million project.

Building state-of-the-art facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills development and advancing innovative research. That's why the Government invested $2 billion in 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country. The Fund also supports improved energy efficiency of lab facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment.

Today's announcement builds on the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which is a commitment of the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces. The strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that contribute to long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Quotes

"With 13 campuses in Nova Scotia, NSCC provides important access to educational opportunities in communities across the province. By investing in NSCC's infrastructure, we are supporting our next generation of skilled researchers and industry experts. We are also recognizing the importance of supporting students in both rural and urban areas."
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"Our people—and their skills—are Nova Scotia's best resource. Government is a proud partner in the renewal of NSCC's Lunenburg Campus. These strategic investments help Nova Scotia build the skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth today and into the future."
– The Honourable Mark Furey, Nova Scotia Minister of Justice, on behalf of Labi Kousoulis, Nova Scotia Minister of Labour and Advanced Education

"The estimated $100,000 annually in energy savings at the campus is thanks to the federal and provincial government investments in Lunenburg Campus's new curtain wall system and supports NSCC's commitment to sustainability. The savings from the investment in the building improvements support a healthier learning environment and allow for an increased investment in the development and provision of specialized training to help prepare students for high-quality jobs in the community and province."
– Craig Collins, Principal, NSCC Lunenburg Campus

Quick facts

• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping 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 is supporting the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.
• The Innovation and Skills Plan is helping grow the economy, creating middle-class jobs—2 million more in science- and tech-related fields by 2025—and providing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund 
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Innovation and Skills Plan

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Dani Keenan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-1710; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]