16 January 2007
Bathurst, New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) Bathurst joined
today with federal and provincial governments to unveil
plans for the Metal Innovation and Technology Transfer
Centre (MITTC). The new research facility will facilitate
and promote efforts by the metal fabrication industry to
develop competitive new products and processes."Canada's New Government is working in partnership to get
things done for the people of New Brunswick ," said the
Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and
Regional Minister for New Brunswick, on behalf of the
Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency. "Today's investment of over $500,000 will help the
Centre conduct innovative research and develop new products
and processes for the metal industry, a key component of
the economy of this region.""Ensuring that New Brunswickers get the skills training
they need and building the best education system in the
country is essential in positioning the province as a
leader in economic development as detailed in our Charter
for Change," said Environment Minister and Minister
responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Initiative
Roland Hache, on behalf of Post-Secondary Education
Training and Labour Minister, Ed Doherty. "In addition,
through supporting research and development in areas like
metal innovation and by solidifying the foundation that has
been laid out in the Charter for Change, we will also help
put New Brunswick on the road to self-sufficiency."Canada's New Government, through the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing $510,000 in the
project through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF),
while the Government of New Brunswick is providing $350,000
through the Regional Development Corporation. The
undertaking will involve new equipment for machining, heat
treatment, testing laboratory, and design services. NBCC
Bathurst will house and provide the Centre with equipment
as well as access to the College's experts in metal
fabrication. ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund focuses on investments
that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity
building in rural communities. For more information on
ACOA's programs, visit our website at:http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca. Information on the Regional Development
Corporation can be found at:http://www.gnb.ca Keyword RDC.
For additional information, contact:
Gisèle Savoie
Senior Communications Officer, ACOA NB
506-452-3341
Bruce Macfarlane
Corporate Secretary, Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
Jean Allain
Assistant Director of Student Services and Marketing
NBCC Bathurst
506-547-2197
