September 12, 2014 – Sydney, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
As a leader in innovation and sustainability through its Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment - and as a first choice in higher education for students from around the globe, Cape Breton University (CBU) will receive funding to enhance both state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and an international market strategy to attract students and further research and development.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, were in Sydney today to announce a federal contribution of $590,000 for two projects being funded through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is contributing $110,850 to expand CBU’s international student market. This project will support CBU carry out in-market research activities and market-specific branding to increase student recruitment levels and engage international students.
In addition, the federal government, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is contributing $478,870 for CBU’s Verschuren Centre to acquire state-of-the-art laboratory instruments and equipment necessary to increase applied research and development capacity in the areas of green mining and energy.
Quick Facts:
- 85 per cent of CBU’s international student population hails from China and Saudi Arabia, a number that has increased from 316 international students in 2008, to 947 international students in 2012;
- CBU’s enhanced marketing activities will be primarily focused in India, Africa and Southeast Asia;
- The marketing strategy will facilitate increased international engagement through program enrolment; student work exchanges and work placements; overseas delivery of CBU programs; and, faculty research collaboration;
- The Verschuren Centre’s Green Mining Technologies Research Program is a five-year, $2 million program developing innovative, economic and sustainable mining technologies to reduce environmental challenges posed by conventional mining and smelting techniques. Primary research and development will take place in the Verschuren Centre laboratories, and;
- The Verschuren Centre’s Green Mining and Energy equipment acquisition will include a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX); a transmission electron microscope (TEM); and, chemical hoods.
Quotes:
“Investments in post-secondary education play a significant role in attracting and retaining motivated learners to Canada. Our Government’s support will allow Cape Breton University to undertake new areas of recruitment and provide state-of-the-art equipment to the students and the faculty.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“This investment is a clear demonstration of our commitment to attracting and retaining highly skilled researchers, supporting innovation, creating jobs and opportunities for all Canadians."
- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“This support from the Government of Canada will make it possible for Cape Breton University to gather invaluable information on expanding our international base of students, faculty and projects CBU continues to build its international profile and this marketing research as well as investments in new equipment are helping us in this regard.”
- Dr. David Wheeler, Cape Breton University President and Vice Chancellor
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417
Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minster of Justice
613-992-4621
Andrea Richer
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Lenore Parsley
Communications and PR Officer
Cape Breton University
902-563-1638
