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The Pas – June 5, 2009.  On behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Senator Terry Stratton and Eric Robinson, Manitoba’s Acting Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, today announced a Knowledge Infrastructure Program investment of $8 million in the University College of the North (UCN).

 

This investment is part of the federal government’s two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s colleges and universities at the forefront of scientific advancement.

 

On May 20, 2009, the Federal and Provincial governments announced investments totalling $159 million over two years, including $54 million from the federal government, $68 million from the provincial government, as well as private funding.

 

”Our government is investing in infrastructure across the country to create jobs, help our economy and improve the quality of life for Canadians,” said Senator Stratton. “This investment in the University College of the North will provide significant economic stimulus and will create jobs in northern Manitoba.”

 

The University College of the North offers college and university programs at two main campuses in Thompson and the Pas. Programming is also rotated through 12 regional centres. Some regional community buildings require upgrading while others need new facilities before they can offer a range of programs.

 

“Today’s $4-million provincial investment supports UCN’s expanding role in building Manitoba’s knowledge economy and our strong commitment to increase access to post-secondary education for northern and Aboriginal students,” said Minister Robinson. “The new and upgraded facilities will provide rural and remote communities with space for classrooms, computer labs, libraries, resource areas and student supports.”

 

UCN Regional Centres are currently located in the following communities: Misipawistik Cree Nation (Grand Rapids), St. Theresa Point First Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation (Oxford House), Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan), Swan River, Flin Flon, Norway House Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), Chemawawin Cree Nation (Easterville), Cross Lake Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House) and Churchill.

 

Ovide Mercredi, Chancellor of the University College of the North, said, “I am very pleased that the Government of Canada and the provincial government have decided to put additional resources to northern education. The University College of the North is ideally positioned to be the post-secondary education facility for all northerners. This announcement to improve existing regional centres and construct new ones will guarantee the linkage and the access between the university college and the communities.”

 

“The federal and provincial governments have not only provided an exciting opportunity for our communities, northern learners and our Regional Centres, but it’s a chance to demonstrate what can truly happen when people work together,” said Denise K. Henning, President and Vice-Chancellor of UCN. “It will help us to make concrete the hopes and dreams of many people, including Oscar Lathlin, who diligently believed in a university college in northern Manitoba.”

 

UCN’s regional centres have been established to meet the needs of individuals needing academic upgrading and skills development, as well as those who are seeking careers that require a college or university education. Many features of the centres are designed to serve adult learners, including extended hours of operation for greater access.

 

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2 billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This new support is the next substantive investment in the Government of Canada’s multi-year Science and Technology Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.

 

For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria and application instructions, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home.