OAKVILLE, Ontario, October 14, 2009 — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario); Terence Young, Member of Parliament for Oakville; Mike Gallagher, Chair of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 Training Fund; and Harold McBride, Executive Director of the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario ( OETIO ), today celebrated the groundbreaking of the advanced training facility at OETIO 's Oakville campus. The project received $1 401 036 in federal funding through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
The 12 800-square-foot advanced training facility will both increase the capacity and improve the functionality of OETIO 's Oakville campus. The facility will include a mechanics' garage, two classrooms and a simulation lab in a single building that will provide training space for the compulsory certification for crane operators and advanced training for mechanics.
“Our government is investing in innovation and infrastructure to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “This investment in the OETIO will generate employment for people now, while providing the infrastructure that the Institute needs for years to come.”
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, is part of the $12 billion allocated under Canada's Economic Action Plan for new infrastructure investment.
The program is providing economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada's research and educational facilities at the forefront of technological advancement. In total, the Government of Canada is investing $800 million in projects at Ontario post-secondary institutions through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
“This funding will enable the OETIO to further expand its state-of-the-art simulation training and offer specialized courses for heavy equipment mechanics and tower crane technicians,” said Mr. Gallagher. “As a result of this funding, we will be able to better serve the needs of construction employers across Ontario.”
“Today marks a new era for Local 793 and its training facilities,” said Mr. McBride. “Completion of the advanced training facility will enable the union to move forward and ensure a supply of safe, well-trained operators to the construction industry for many years to come.”
Please visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website for more information, including program criteria and a list of the approved projects to date.
For more information, please visit Canada's Economic Action Plan website .
For further information (media only), please contact:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario)
613-943-7599
Harold McBride
Executive Director
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario
613-543-2911 ext. 190
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
