The Governments of Canada and New Brunswick announced support for the province's growing research and development (R&D) sector today with an investment of more than $6.2 million for the creation of a new Centre of Excellence in Advanced Learning and Technology (CEALT). The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway; the Honourable Greg Byrne, Minister of Finance; and Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside attended the announcement at the National Research Council Institute for Information Technology (NRC-IIT) facility on the UNB campus.
"Our Government recognizes that investment in R&D is essential for innovation, for participation in global markets and for a competitive business environment," said Minister Ashfield. "By investing in the CEALT, we are supporting R&D while providing opportunities for new graduates and companies in the Fredericton and rural regions of New Brunswick."
"This centre of excellence will enhance New Brunswick's existing global reputation as a smart province, attracting new advanced learning companies and high-paying jobs to this community," said Minister Byrne. "New Brunswick is already home to a growing number of leading-edge e-learning firms, online universities and an innovative research community at UNB and NRC-IIT. This centre will bring these groups together and help this sector to grow even more."
"We are pleased to support the establishment of this Centre of Excellence in our Knowledge Park," said Mayor Woodside. "Fredericton is home to more than 70 per cent of the province's knowledge industry and the support we are providing will help add to our reputation as one of the world's most intelligent communities."
CEALT will be managed by an interim executive director, contributed by NRC-IIT, and is mandated to create new business opportunities and an environment for advanced learning companies to collaborate with research groups. These partnerships will stimulate regional growth in sectors such as defence, health and energy.
"These significant investments by the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick coupled with the contributions from the City of Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick and Enterprise Fredericton toward the establishment of the CEALT will position the Knowledge Park, the City of Fredericton and indeed the Province of New Brunswick at the epicenter for the Advanced Learning and Technology industries," said Doug Motty, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Fredericton. "The CEALT will be the catalyst for business innovation, commercialization, growth and wealth creation in the Fredericton Region. The Knowledge Park and Enterprise Fredericton are extremely excited about the future opportunities associated with the CEALT."
ACOA will contribute $1.75 million, through the Innovative Communities Fund, towards the establishment of the CEALT. The Province of New Brunswick is providing a $4.5 million interest-free loan. The Fredericton Knowledge Park will contribute an additional $600,000 towards the building in which the Centre of Excellence will be housed. Enterprise Fredericton and the University of New Brunswick have also agreed to contribute a combined $750,000 in support. The City of Frederiction is contributing $750,000 to support operational costs during the start-up phase.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Governments of Canada and New Brunswick announced support for the province's growing knowledge sector today with an investment of more than $6.2 million for the creation of a new Centre of Excellence in Advanced Learning and Technology (CEALT).
National Revenue and ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield announced a $1.75 million contribution from ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund towards the establishment of the Centre of Excellence while Finance New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne announced a $4.5 million interest-free loan for the construction of the building. Knowledge Park Inc., will provide the remaining $600,000 to build the new facility. The City of Fredericton is contributing $750,000 to support operational costs over the initial start-up phase
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INFORMATION:
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3310
Doug Motty
Chief Executive Officer
Enterprise Fredericton
506-457-6826
Deborah Nobes
Communications
Business New Brunswick
506-444-3323
Don Fitzgerald
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives
City of Fredericton
506-460-2595
