Investment in infrastructure at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles will support research and innovation Français
Funding of $5.4 million will enable the Centre d'études collégiales des Îles-de-la-Madeleine to upgrade its facilities
L'ÉTANG-DU-NORD, QC, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development—and Hélène David, Quebec Minister of Higher Education, today announced a significant investment to help equip young Quebecers with the quality post-secondary education that will enable them to achieve their goals.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are investing $5.4 million in a project at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles. The funding will help the institution provide its students with the training needed for the high-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.
Federal funding is 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.
The Government of Quebec's contribution is part of the Québec Infrastructure Plan, which sets out investments in all sectors of the economy, including higher education.
Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles will use the funding to upgrade and rebuild part of the Centre d'études collégiales des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, currently housed in old 1970s-era modular buildings. These facilities are home to, among others, the science lab that serves the natural sciences program and is used by students and professors for their research activities, as well as to the institution's technology transfer centre.
A total of $5.4 million is being invested in this project:
- The Government of Canada is providing $1.75 million.
- The Government of Quebec is providing $3.68 million.
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 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 Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"We know that strategic investments in jobs and innovation help our communities grow and prosper. I am proud that our government is investing to help our students in the Magdalen Islands get the skills they need to obtain high-quality, well-paying jobs. Through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation of Canada's middle class and further establishing the country as a global centre for innovation."
– The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
"The project announced today demonstrates our government's commitment to do everything possible to help our students and professors accomplish great things. We are making significant investments in the development of our higher education facilities, thereby ensuring that future generations have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. This is great news for students and professors, and I'm delighted."
– Hélène David, Quebec Minister of Higher Education
"By upgrading infrastructure at the cégep, we are ensuring that the institution continues to play a key role in the Magdalen Islands and remains a source of pride for the entire community. The investment announced today will result in a more stimulating training and learning environment and will help maintain and increase the region's reputation. I am happy for the students and professors."
– Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region
"I'm pleased by this announcement; it very much addresses the needs of the Magdalen Islands community. The Îles campus is a higher education institution that is essential in this island environment, offering greater accessibility to local students as well as a high-quality education from teachers and professionals. This project will provide a more stimulating and attractive learning environment. It's certainly an added bonus to the campus when recruiting not only local students but also those off the Islands."
– Germain Chevarie, Member for Îles-de-la-Madeleine
"Our local students will benefit from modern facilities and high-quality equipment during their studies. Magdalen Islands students are very loyal to our institution, and we're proud to offer them this new environment."
– Yves Galipeau, Director Général, Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles
Quick facts
- The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced in December 2016 that the federal government would provide more than $385 million for research infrastructure at institutions throughout Quebec.
- Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, and Hélène David, Minister of Higher Education, also announced that the Government of Quebec would invest more than $345 million in research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions in Quebec.
- Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles has been awarded $1.75 million in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, as well as a contribution of $3.68 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 and Skills Plan 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
- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
- Québec Infrastructure Plan (French web page)
- English PDF of Québec Infrastructure Plan
- Innovation and Skills Plan
Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED
Follow Minister David on Twitter: @David_Hlne
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Thierry Bélair, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Higher Education, 418-266-3255; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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