Federal investment of $20 million is creating jobs, expanding research and fostering innovation in Hamilton
HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Construction of Mohawk College's Centre for Partnership and Innovation is completed. The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, was at Mohawk College today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to mark the occasion. Minister Tassi was joined by Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek.
Mohawk College received an investment of $20 million through the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to construct the Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation. The new Centre will build on its applied research strengths in three focus areas: energy, health and technology. This zero-footprint building is a living lab for Mohawk's students and a technology showcase for key partners and will be a key driver of Hamilton's Economic Development Strategy.
Building state-of-the-art facilities, labs and modern learning spaces is essential for skills and innovation. That's why the Government invested $2 billion in 300 projects under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to renew university and college campuses across the country. The Fund also supports improved energy efficiency of lab facilities to help reduce their impact on the environment.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities to advance research and innovation in Canada. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces and work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and create—the high-value jobs of the future.
The Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that vision in action.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is jump-starting a virtual circle of innovation and creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada's investment in Mohawk College is creating the right conditions for innovation and long-term growth, conditions that will keep the Canadian economy globally competitive. It's not only about creating jobs today; we are helping prepare young Canadians for the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
"This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. This means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Encouraging scientific awareness in Hamilton and throughout Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
"The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation will be a game changer for Mohawk College, its students and our region. It will be a hub for innovation. We are grateful for the leadership of the federal government and our local MPs who shared our vision and allowed us to bring it to life."
– Ron McKerlie, President, Mohawk College
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada contributed $20 million towards this $54.25-million project, and Mohawk College is providing the remaining balance.
- The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are promoting economic activity across Canada and helping Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is supporting the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
- Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion in research, researchers and needed equipment.
- The Innovation and Skills Plan is helping grow the economy, creating middle-class jobs—2 million more in science- and tech-related fields by 2025—and providing Canadians with the skills they need to succeed.
Associated links
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Nilani Logeswaran, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2849; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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