Province Investing $500,000 to Modernize Postsecondary Infrastructure
March 22, 2023Funding will leverage industry support to help Canadore College and Nipissing University deliver high-quality education and training
NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is providing $507,500 in 2022-23 to Canadore College and Nipissing University to help ensure the postsecondary institutions have modern facilities, learning tools and equipment so students receive the high-quality education and training they need to succeed in the workforce.
“This support will ensure students at Canadore College, and Nipissing University have access to the latest instructional tools and equipment to meet business and industry standards,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “By investing in the renewal and modernization of postsecondary infrastructure, we are supporting the growth of the economy right here in North Bay and ensuring students get the knowledge and skills they need to get good-paying jobs.”
Canadore College will receive $300,000 for their Integrated Media and Entertainment Technology Hub:
- The media and entertainment industries are highly technology-driven. These technologies include cutting-edge special effects developed for film production, media streaming, virtual reality gaming, innovative broadcasting, music, and advertising. Canadore College seeks an equipment investment to benefit the media and design that builds on existing assets, establishing a multi-disciplined, Integrated Media and Entertainment Technology (IM-ET) Hub.
Nipissing University will receive $207,500.00 for their Interprofessional Simulation Centre Equipment:
- Provision of high-quality interprofessional education in simulation for the future workforce in nursing, education, social work, criminal justice and beyond. The equipment will expand the holistic delivery of simulation education that includes inter-relational skills and culturally safe practices across professional practice education and improve access to university education for students located in remote communities within Ontario where there is often the greatest shortage of professional practitioners, such as nurses, social workers, counsellors, and teachers.
“Canadore College is committed to utilizing cutting-edge technology so that our students are prepared for employment as soon as they graduate. These are emerging industries in the North, and the Government of Ontario’s investment enables us to build on our current competencies, supply the staff employers require to flourish, and foster the growth of robust economies across the region.” – George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College.
“The Province’s investment in state of the art equipment for our Interprofessional Simulation Center means Nipissing students will have the opportunity to practice critical, applied skills, in a controlled environment, to help prepare them for professional success in their chosen field upon graduation, be it social work, nursing or teaching,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. “Having access to the latest equipment further enhances the exceptional student experience and supportive learning environment that we strive to provide our students.”
“It is essential that our postsecondary institutions have the latest in learning tools and equipment so students can develop the skills they need to excel in the province’s economic future,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Our government’s investments to build Ontario will not only help colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities, it will also help ensure that they can continue to provide students with applied, career-focused education and training that meets the labour needs of key sectors driving our economy.”
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $209 million in 2022-23 to help publicly assisted colleges and universities provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff.
- $179 million will be provided through the Facilities Renewal Program in 2022-23 to help colleges and universities with the critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewal of existing facilities.
- $20 million will be provided through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund in 2022-23 to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources.
- $10 million will be provided through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund in 2022-23 to help universities renew and buy modern, state-of-the-art equipment.
- As part of this investment, matching contributions from institutions and/or third-parties is required.
- As announced in the 2022 Ontario Budget: Ontario’s Plan to Build, this funding is part of the government’s $597 million investment over three years, starting in 2022-23, to help colleges and universities address important infrastructure renewal needs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
2022 Ontario Budget: Ontario’s Plan to Build