A new facility at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in Chilliwack will allow the institute to broaden the range of programs available in the Fraser Valley, and enhance the delivery of its health science programs with the addition of a paramedic simulation lab.

With the support of our government, the institute officially opened its new facility at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack today. The innovative new facility is made up of 19 modular units, measuring 3.66 metres (12 feet) by 18.29 metres (60 feet) each. The units were installed side by side to create one 1,271 square-metre (13,680 square-foot) building.

JIBC has signed a five-year lease to own agreement for the facility. The modular structures have a 20- to 25-year life span. The provincial government provided $590,000 for site services upgrades for the new facility.

The new facility provides expanded space for the Justice Institute to continue programs in paramedic training, emergency management and conflict resolution. In addition, the institute is the designated training facility for all English-speaking Department of National Defence medical assistants, or medics. These medics can be dispatched anywhere around the globe to support Canada's military personnel and civilians.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto -

"This new facility will allow the Justice Institute to continue its world-class training. The men and women who choose careers as emergency responders are often called upon to place themselves at risk to protect the safety of others. We owe them our gratitude and the best training possible."

"Responsible investments like this one ensure current and future students have the quality programs, facilities and opportunities they need to succeed in their studies and careers."

John Les, MLA for

"With this opening of the Justice Institute's new facility, Canada Education Park continues to build on its reputation as a key education hub here in the Fraser Valley. Hundreds of students benefit from the world-class programming the Institute provides right here in Chilliwack."

Justice Institute of British Columbia president Jack McGee -

"We are pleased by the opportunity this new facility will provide to better serve residents of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley, broaden the range of programs available and attract students from other jurisdictions."

Quick Facts:

• JIBC delivers education and training to about 30,000 students annually, with a mandate to act as a justice and public safety education institution for British Columbia.

• Operating funding from the Province to the Justice Institute of B.C. has increased from $6.4 million in 2001-02 to $10.6 million in 2012-13 - a 66 per cent increase. In addition, the Province has invested over $12 million in capital projects at the Justice Institute.

• Budget 2012 provides for over $460 million in capital investments at B.C. public post-secondary institutions over the next three years for new and expanded facilities and directed to ensuring safe, functional and efficient facilities.

Learn More:

Justice Institute of British Columbia: http://www.jibc.ca/

Media Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

Valder Belgrave
Communications and Marketing Manager
Justice Institute of British Columbia
604 528-5874