$5.28-million investment in infrastructure at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue to improve research and innovation Français
VAL D'OR, QC, Jan. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, along with Geoffrey Kelley, Quebec Minister responsible for Native Affairs, on behalf of Hélène David, Quebec Minister responsible for Higher Education, today announced a historic investment to help equip young Quebeckers with the quality post-secondary education that will help them achieve their goals.
The $5.28-million investment will be awarded to the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue by the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec. The funding will help the institution provide the training required to access the high-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.
Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses, improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
The Government of Quebec's contribution is part of the Québec Infrastructure Plan, which contains investments in all sectors of the economy, including those in higher education.
The funding will allow the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue to expand the First Peoples Pavilion at its Val-d'Or campus. Since opening in 2009, the First Peoples Pavilion has played an increasingly important role in providing training for Aboriginal students and conducting research on Aboriginal issues and concerns.
Of the $5.28-million federal-provincial investment in this project:
- $2.05 million will be provided by the Government of Canada; and
- $3.23 million will be provided by the Government of Quebec.
In total, universities and colleges throughout Quebec will receive nearly $1.1 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors.
As a result of these investments in Quebec, 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 create—the high-value middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.
Quotes
"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. The expansion of the First Peoples Pavilion is just one example of our government's strong commitment to our Indigenous communities. 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
"The Government of Canada is working to ensure that Inuit and First Nations youth have access to a high-quality education that will allow them to gain the skills they need to join the labour market. The expansion of the First Peoples Pavilion will not only provide a learning space that is culturally adapted to the needs of Indigenous students but also offer students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, a unique space to meet and learn from each other."
– The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"Already, the First Peoples Pavilion has been an exceptional showcase for the vast cultural richness of First Nations and Inuit. The expansion we're announcing today demonstrates the success of this initiative because the space envisioned a little more than seven years ago is no longer up to the task. The new space is another step forward in our reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and I'm convinced that the Pavilion will continue to be an unparalleled gathering place for students and professionals from all walks of life."
– Geoffrey Kelley, Quebec Minister responsible for Native Affairs
"The expansion work will allow the university to respond to constantly increasing student enrolment, which is good news for First Nations and the university community in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. By supporting this project, we are increasing their access to state-of-the-art infrastructure so that they can meet their full potential in a stimulating environment."
– Hélène David, Quebec Minister responsible for Higher Education
"The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue plays a major role in developing the region's vitality. Thanks to the support of the Quebec government, the university can continue to play a leading role in the community by training students from the region."
– Luc Blanchette, Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks
"This project stimulates economic activity and supports jobs while fostering knowledge and innovation. More than ever, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region will be able to remain a major player in research. I am pleased for the students, professors and researchers."
– Guy Bourgeois, Member for Abitibi-Est
"This announcement was greatly hoped for and looked for, especially to consolidate and improve the development of major research projects for, by and with Indigenous peoples. Since l'UQAT began, almost 700 diplomas have been given to Indigenous people. These students were able to benefit from our university's unique approach and from our model based on the willingness to work together."
– Johanne Jean, President, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Quick facts
- The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, recently announced that the federal government is providing more than $385 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
- Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, and Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education, recently announced that the Government of Quebec would invest more than $345 million for research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions in Quebec.
- The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue has been awarded $2.05 million in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, as well as contribution of $3.23 million from the Government of Quebec through the Québec Infrastructure Plan.
- 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.
- Canada's Innovation Agenda 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.
Associated links
Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For further information: Philip Proulx, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected] ; Mylène Gaudreau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418-643-3166; Thierry Bélair, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for Higher Education, 418-266-3255; Gabrielle Fallu, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region, 418-473-2966
Share this article