News Release
For Release
April 12, 2007
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Both students and industry
in Manitoba will benefit from a state-of-the-art manufacturing training
facility and program to be run jointly by the University of Manitoba and
Red River College. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement
is contributing just over $1.1 million towards the initiative.
The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf
of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council
for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western
Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Scott Smith, Minister of
Competitiveness, Training and Trade for Manitoba, made the announcement
today.
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people
of Manitoba by providing new opportunities to foster the best educated
and most–skilled workforce in the world,” said Minister Toews.
“Through our investment of over $500,000, we are demonstrating our
commitment to creating an environment where Canadian students and businesses
are provided with the right conditions to thrive and succeed.”
“This state-of-the-art manufacturing training facility and program
is a great example of collaboration, between both students and industry
leaders, as well as between the University of Manitoba and Red River College,”
said Minister Smith. “It’s very appropriate that the funding
that will benefit the organizations flows from a joint Federal/Provincial
program, another example of successful collaboration.”
The University of Manitoba and Red River College will share the joint
manufacturing training facility and program to be located on both campuses.
Together, these facilities will be equipped to provide a comprehensive
education for students at each campus, as well as the opportunity for
skills upgrading and training for industry. Students from Red River College
and the University of Manitoba will utilize the facilities at each campus
to study different aspects of manufacturing.
The University of Manitoba will house an advanced, computer based, product
development program located in the new Engineering and Information Technology
Complex. This facility will be a 40-seat computer laboratory along with
a mini-simulated manufacturing laboratory with a rapid prototyping machine,
mini-numerical controlled machine tools and a small virtual reality system.
“This facility at the University of Manitoba is a product of a
growing collaboration between educational institutions, industrial associations
and government to ensure the province of Manitoba stays at the leading
edge of manufacturing,” said Dr. Emoke Szathmáry, President
and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “We are delighted
the knowledge and understanding of these new tools and processes can now
be shared by all who can benefit from them.”
Red River College will host two simulated factory laboratories that will
provide students the opportunity to experience all steps of product manufacturing,
using modern processes and advanced technology.
“This exciting manufacturing training initiative is a perfect fit
for Red River College, where applied learning is the foundation of our
success,” said Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College. “We’re
very pleased to be a partner in this innovative endeavour, which is sure
to be a win-win situation for both students and industry in Manitoba.”
Industry will play a key role in the operation of the joint facilities
by having input into course curriculum through the Canadian Manufacturers
and Exporters (CME). The CME will promote and administer course activities
for industry participants. Representatives from CME, the Industrial Technology
Centre, the Composites Innovation Centre, the Manitoba Aerospace Human
Resource Coordinating Committee, Red River College and the University
of Manitoba will sit on an advisory board to govern the facilities.
Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments
of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community
stakeholders to build the economy and strengthen communities. These priorities
promote economic growth and diversification in the province. For more
information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Terri Hooper
Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement
Tel: (204) 945-7805
David Meister
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0789
Joe Czech
Communications Coordinator
Communication Services Manitoba
Tel: (204) 945-6778
www.gov.mb.ca
