$29.54-million investment supports new space to house training programs such as the Inuktitut language interpretation and translation program
IQALUIT, Nov. 23, 2016 /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 $29.54-million investment in Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) 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 Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Paul Quassa, Nunavut's Government House Leader, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College.
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 exemplifies that vision in action.
The investment will allow NAC to build a new training facility for students and community members who are studying fisheries or learning about language and culture through the Inuktitut interpreter and translator and Inuit Studies programs, among other professional diploma and degree programs. The project supports Nunavut's key priorities to increase self-reliance and optimism through education and training and to provide more education opportunities within the territory for Nunavummiut. The project will also incorporate renewable energy and sustainable building options in its design, bolstering Canada's commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Federal and provincial funding for this project includes:
- $10.64 million from the Government of Canada
- $18.9 million from the Government of Nunavut
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.
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.
NAC, the only post-secondary institution in Nunavut, delivers programs in every community in the territory. The need for post-secondary programs in Nunavut continues to grow, and this investment by the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Canada will support the development and capacity of Nunavummiut.
Quotes
"The future of Canada and Nunavut depends on the success of our students. That's why we need to ensure they have the facilities they need for tomorrow's job market. Through this Strategic Investment Fund support, we are strengthening Nunavut Arctic College—and the community—by helping students gain unique knowledge and research skills that will allow them to excel in the innovation economy."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Canada's colleges and universities are at the forefront of excellence in science, research and innovation. By improving infrastructure at Nunavut Arctic College, we are supporting job training programs and scientific research in Nunavut, which translates into sustainable economic growth and benefits for all Nunavummiut."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
"Education is a priority for the Government of Nunavut. Investing in infrastructure for post-secondary education through the proposed expansion of the Nunatta Campus in Iqaluit is a tremendous addition to our capacity for delivering programs as we continue building a representative workforce."
– The Honourable Paul Quassa, Nunavut's Government House Leader, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College
Quick facts
- 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.
- 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.
Associated links
- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
- Innovation Agenda backgrounder
Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
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]; Cate Macleod, Director of Communications, Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Nunavut, 867-975-6049, [email protected]
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