Investment in infrastructure at Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue will support research and innovation

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News Release

Funding of $2.07 million will go toward upgrading science labs and improving the building’s energy efficiency

August 25, 2017 – Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, and Luc Blanchette, Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region—on behalf of 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 $2.07 million in a project at Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue. This investment is in addition to the $997,907 previously announced at the institution on May 19, 2017. 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 l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue will use the funding to improve the air quality throughout its facilities, ensuring compliance with ventilation standards. The improvements will make it easier to conduct science experiments and introduce innovative projects and will reduce the use of resources such as potable water and electricity. The cégep will thereby improve its energy efficiency and enhance the quality of education for Aboriginal students and students from abroad.

A total of $2.07 million is being invested in this project:

  • The Government of Canada is providing $892,036.
  • The Government of Quebec is providing $1,176,259.

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

“Government of Canada investments in projects like those at Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue will create good, well-paying jobs that help the middle class grow and prosper, while also stimulating economic growth for years to come. 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.”

– David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Our government will continue to invest time and money in our students’ success. Our commitment is clear: do everything possible to help our students and professors accomplish great things. Significant investments like those announced today are helping ensure the development of our higher education facilities so that future generations have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.”

– Hélène David, Quebec Minister of Higher Education

“Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue is a major player in our region’s development and vitality. Thanks to the support of the Government of Quebec, the cégep will continue to play a leading role in our community, training the increasingly qualified workforce that local businesses look for.”

– Luc Blanchette, Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region

“Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the new science labs give students at the Amos campus access to high-quality infrastructure, enabling them to undertake science experiments that match their ambitions. The cégep has a solid reputation among leading Quebec universities and employers for the quality and preparedness of its students in the fields of health and engineering and other scientific disciplines. Thanks to these new labs, the cégep will further improve that reputation.”

– Sylvain Blais, Director General, Cégep de l’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, 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 l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue has been awarded $892,036 in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, as well as a contribution of $1,176,259 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

Contacts

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED
Follow Minister David on Twitter: @David_Hlne

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

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

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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