March 01, 2010
Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Meadow Lake, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services, and the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Enterprise, announced federal and provincial funding to help North West Regional College strengthen economic opportunities in Meadow Lake.
"Our Government is taking action to ensure communities succeed in these tough times," said MP Clarke. "Today's announcement will support students in Meadow Lake while creating immediate jobs through the construction phase."
North West Regional College is constructing three townhouses to accommodate full-time students while they are attending classes at the local campus. This initiative will provide economic stimulus to help soften the short-term impacts of the economic downturn by creating 36 construction jobs, three maintenance jobs and approximately 108 additional jobs within the City of Meadow Lake.
Federal funding of over $3.1 million is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $5.3 million towards a total project cost of $9,208,700.
"Our government recognizes and understands the challenges that many Saskatchewan students face as they search for affordable housing options while pursuing their educational goals," Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison, on behalf of Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff and Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer, said. "Today's announcement goes a long way in addressing residency issues for North West Regional College, and meets our plan for economic growth in communities such as Meadow Lake."
"We are extremely pleased to provide affordable housing to post-secondary students in Meadow Lake. This residence complex is a step towards our goal of a Trades Training Centre of Excellence in this community," Bryan Nylander, President and CEO, North West Regional College. "We are grateful for the tremendous financial support from Western Economic Diversification, Sask Housing, and Enterprise Saskatchewan. Their contributions will make affordable, quality housing available to students during their studies."
The three townhouses will accommodate 94 students and family members in 40 furnished, individual suites. The new housing will draw students to relocate to Meadow Lake, obtain training and increase the region's skilled labour force.
The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5942
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan Communications
Tel: (306) 787-5582
http://www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca/
Linda Saliken
Ministry of Social Services Communications
Tel: (306) 787-0246
http://www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/
Jason O'Driscoll
Director of Administration
North West Regional College
Telephone: (306) 937-5137
