27 August 2009
Georgetown, Prince Edward Island
Holland College Georgetown Centre will expand to meet the growing demand for metal fabrication and welding training thanks to a combined investment from the federal and provincial governments as well as Holland College.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), along with the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, on behalf of the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning and Dr. Brian McMillan, President of Holland College, made the announcement earlier today at the campus.
“Our government has invested significant resources into our Economic Action Plan to ensure, in this economic downturn, that funding flows as quickly as possible to economic development projects,” said Minister Ashfield. “Today’s announcement includes a substantial federal investment, which will enable Holland College to draw more students and allow Georgetown to strengthen and diversify its local economy.”
The project will also provide space for the introduction of a new Iron Worker program. Eventually, the Commercial Diving program will be relocated to the Marine Training Centre in Summerside, which will maximize space and allow greater numbers of students to attend programs at both campuses.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to invest in this significant expansion for Holland College Georgetown Centre,” said Minister LeClair. “Investing in the growth of our post-secondary institutions all across the province will ensure that Islanders – no matter where they live – have access to the training and education they need to establish successful careers in today’s economy.”
The Government of Canada will invest $1.5 million through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) and the provincial Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning will contribute $305,000 towards the expansion. Holland College will invest $201,000 in the project.
"The expansion and renovation of the Georgetown Centre is necessary to accommodate growing demand for the programs that are offered there,” said Dr. McMillan. “This project provides an excellent example of the power of partnerships, as we have the federal and provincial governments, the private sector and Holland College working together to respond to the training needs of industry. As a result of this partnership, approximately 50 additional students will receive training and a new Iron Worker program will be added to the course offerings in our Georgetown Centre."
Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide a total of $1 billion over two years through CAF to support initiatives such as reforestation activities, investments in machinery or equipment, demonstration of new mining technologies, initiatives to improve market access for products and other local economic diversification activities.
For more information regarding the CAF application process, please consult ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Holland College Georgetown Centre will be expanding to meet the growing demand for metal fabrication and welding training through funding from the federal and provincial governments as well as Holland College.
Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA, along with Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, on behalf of Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, and Dr. Brian McMillan, President of Holland College, made the announcement earlier today.
The combined investment of more than $2 million will go toward the introduction of a new program in Iron Working. Due to the expansion, the college’s Commercial Diving Program will be relocated to the Marine Training Centre in Summerside, which will maximize space at both campuses.
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INFORMATION:
Heath MacVittie
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-626-2878
Kim Devine
Dept. of Innovation and Advanced Learning
902-620-3774
Sara Underwood
Holland College
902-566-9695
