Canada and Nunavut invest in infrastructure at Nunavut Arctic College

$29.54-million investment supports new space to house training programs such as the Inuktitut language interpretation and translation program

November 23, 2016 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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 territorial 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

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

Contacts

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
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Cate Macleod
Director of Communications
Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs
Government of Nunavut
867-975-6049
cmacleod@gov.nu.ca