July 2, 2009
Minister Toews and Minister Lemieux Announce Investment in Red River College
The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, along with the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Minister, today announced a significant investment under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for Red River College.
Red River College was awarded $2.125 million from each level of government towards four projects at their Notre Dame Campus. The projects include:
· Construction of a new Energy Centre/Power Engineering Building
· Construction of a new Green House
· Renovations to Building M to allow for the expansion of the Automotive Program
· Construction of a new Landscape Construction Shop
“The Government of Canada’s investment in the Red River College will provide a significant short-term stimulus to Winnipeg and create jobs in this region,” said Minister Toews. “Our government is investing in innovation to create jobs, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians.”
“We are very proud of all the programming that Red River College has to offer and today’s announcement will only strengthen the college’s education base,” said Minister Lemieux. “Every time we improve educational opportunities, we better equip students to get into the workforce and gain employment.”
“This investment is an important step toward development of a new Skilled Trades Centre at our Notre Dame Campus,” explained Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College. “Adding new labs and reconfiguring existing spaces will allow us to increase capacity to meet the strong demand for skilled workers in Manitoba.”
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.
Today's announcement continues the important steps the province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy, create jobs and renew the provinces roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.
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.
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