SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QUÉ. -
The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence, with the
Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services,
and Major-General Walter Semianiw, Chief of Military Personnel, announced today
the re-opening of Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
“It is with great pride that I am announcing the re-establishment
of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean,” said Minister
O’Connor. “This vital educational institution will once
again take its pride of place in the development of a bilingual officer corps.
For too long we have felt its absence. CMR is back.”
“Today, Canada’s New Government is righting an historical wrong.
The decision by the previous government in 1995 to close CMR was the
wrong decision for Québec and the wrong decision for Canada,” said
Minister Fortier. “Establishing this permanent institution will
provide jobs and economic benefits to this proud and historic region.”
“The re-establishing of Collège militaire de Saint-Jean as
an independent academic institution will provide a vital educational capability
to the Canadian Forces,” said Maj.-Gen. Semianiw. “This will restore
a Commandant, Board of Governors, and a Principal, as well as the military
culture of discipline, uniforms and fitness training in order to meet the needs
of an expanding and transforming Canadian Forces.”
Intended as a diploma granting institution, the two-year College of General
and Professional Education Program (CÉGEP), at Collège
militaire royal de Saint-Jean will see the first students entering the
program in the fall of 2007 academic year. Once fully implemented the new program
will accommodate approximately 200 students. Over the next 20 years
DND will spend up to $200 million in additional funds for this institution.
-30-
