Minister Brison marks completion of project to improve facilities at Thompson Rivers University
News release
Federal investment of more than $13 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Kamloops
August 20, 2018 – Kamloops, British Columbia
Construction of the Industrial Training and Technology Centre at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is completed. The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government, was at TRU today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the occasion.
TRU received an investment of $13.25 million through the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to construct the Industrial Training and Technology Centre. The centre will be dedicated to training, collaboration and research. It will also allow the university to expand its programming for the Red Seal Certification This important certification indicates that a tradesperson is qualified to work anywhere in Canada.
Building state-of-the-art facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills and innovation. That’s why the Government invested $2 billion in 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country. The Fund also supports improved energy efficiency of lab facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and innovation in Canada. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces and 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 jobs of the future.
The Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan 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. The project celebrated today is a prime example of that vision in action.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is jump-starting a virtual circle of innovation and creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
Quotes
“Our government’s investment in Thompson Rivers University will boost innovation in Kamloops as part of our bigger plan to grow the Canadian economy. By putting the right tools into the right hands and encouraging creative minds to excel, we’re creating jobs today and preparing young Canadians for the good middle-class jobs of tomorrow.”
– The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government
“The completion of the project we’re celebrating today marks an exciting moment for TRU, for its students and for the community in Kamloops. Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure improvement at post-secondary institutions across Canada, helping students develop the skills they'll need for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Encouraging scientific awareness in British Columbia and throughout Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
“The new trades building at TRU will ensure students can jump-start their careers so they can thrive and contribute to a strong, sustainable economy. The trades offer well-paying, family-supporting careers throughout the province, and we want to ensure that students in Kamloops and surrounding communities can access the best training possible.”
– The Honourable Melanie Mark, British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training
“We are very pleased to see our new Industrial Training and Technology Centre finish construction and come to life as a strong continuing investment in our students. This funding has enabled us to offer more places and new programs, so we’re able to give a greater number of students the quality training they need for B.C.’s in-demand trades and technology jobs.”
– Dr. Alan Shaver, President and Vice-Chancellor, Thompson Rivers University
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada contributed $13.25 million and the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education provided $7.03 million toward this $32-million project. TRU and donors, including Western Economic Diversification Canada, contributed an additional $11.72 million.
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The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping 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.
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The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is supporting the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
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Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.
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The Innovation and Skills Plan is helping grow the economy, creating middle-class jobs—2 million more in science- and tech-related fields by 2025—and providing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed.
Associated links
Contacts
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Nilani Logeswaran
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2849
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca