Investment in infrastructure at Cégep de Thetford will support research and innovation

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News Release

Funding of $1.72 million will go toward improving research facilities

August 25, 2017 – Thetford Mines, Quebec – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, along with Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region, on behalf of Hélène David, Quebec Minister of Higher Education, and of Dominique Anglade, Quebec Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, 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 $1.55 million in a project at Cégep de Thetford. 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 Thetford will use the funding to improve the energy efficiency of the building that houses the research facilities of Oleotek, a technology transfer centre specializing in green and renewable chemicals, process monitoring, and oleochemicals. The cégep will also refurbish Oleotek’s pilot plant and its test and analysis lab. These investments will enable the institution to better serve Canadian businesses in developing green, renewable industrial chemical processes.   

A total of $1.72 million is being invested in this project: 

  • The Government of Canada is providing $859,186.
  • The Government of Quebec is providing $687,349.
  • Cégep de Thetford and other partners are providing $171,837. 

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

“This is excellent news for the teachers, researchers and students at Cégep de Thetford who will benefit from facilities that better meet their needs. Thanks to this funding, the Oleotek research and technology transfer centre will be able to vigorously pursue its mission for the benefit of businesses in the chemicals sector.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

“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

“This initiative will promote long-term innovation and economic growth in Quebec while supporting new projects to upgrade oleochemical processes for the benefit of vibrant businesses. Oleotek’s mission will be strengthened thanks to improved infrastructure that responds to industry needs. The Government of Quebec is pleased to contribute to the development of this technology transfer centre.”

– Dominique Anglade, Quebec Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“By upgrading infrastructure at Cégep de Thetford, we are ensuring that the institution continues to play a key role in the region and remains a source of pride for the entire community. The investment announced today will make Oleotek 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, as well as for Oleotek’s researchers.”

– Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region

“This investment in our applied research infrastructure will enable us to perform at a higher level, and we will be better equipped to fulfill our mission and be leaders in applied research in the field of green chemistry. The students, professors and researchers—and indeed our region, province and country—will all benefit in various ways from this forward-thinking investment.”

– Robert Rousseau, Director General, Cégep de Thetford

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 Thetford has been awarded $859,186 in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, as well as a contribution of $687,349 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 Tellier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
418-691-5650

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

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