Canadore Celebrates Opening of the West Parry Sound Campus

PARRY SOUND, Ontario, January 27, 2012 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, was at Canadore College in Parry Sound today to officially open the West Parry Sound Campus.

The project received federal and provincial funding of a total of $6.2 million through the Government of Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and the Ontario government through the 2009 Budget.

In Ontario, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program represents a total investment of $2.3 billion to improve infrastructure at postsecondary institutions. The federal government is investing $799 million in 56 KIP projects, while the Province of Ontario is providing $981 million toward 49 of those projects. Other partners are contributing an additional $569 million. Also, the Province is providing $75 million for another eight projects.

“Our government has invested in innovation and knowledge infrastructure to set the foundation for economic prosperity,” said Minister Clement. “This project not only has created jobs for people in our community but also will benefit Canadore College for years to come by providing students with the modern facilities they need to prepare for their careers.”

“Our government is pleased to support the building of this new campus to provide more access to postsecondary education for the people of Parry Sound,” said Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “In addition, the construction of this project created jobs that have helped to support the local economy.”

“The West Parry Sound Campus is truly the result of a strong and concerted community effort to bring postsecondary education to this region,” said George Burton, President of Canadore College. “Working with the federal and provincial governments has allowed Canadore to make this community vision a reality. We look forward to sharing in the continued success of this campus with the strong support of the region and government.”

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to maintain and improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. The program is providing economic stimulus, creating jobs, and generating the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure economic growth in the future.

Canadore has been providing the region of Parry Sound with access to postsecondary education since 2004. The opening of the new 14,600-sq. ft. campus to students and the community will mean an expanded choice of programs -- from adult upgrading, practical nursing and personal support worker and continuing education classes to include ecotourism and Indigenous pre-health studies beginning in September 2012. 

The Government of Ontario is investing more than $1 billion in infrastructure at colleges and universities to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity. This investment is part of the government’s plan to help to build the most highly skilled and educated workforce in the world, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website. For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada’s Economic Action Plan website. 

For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit: www.infrastructureapp.mei.gov.on.ca/en.

Learn more about Putting Students First: Ontario’s Plan for Postsecondary Education to ensure all qualified Ontario students have access to the high-quality, affordable training and education they need to succeed in the modern world.

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