Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a federal and provincial investment of $16.18 million in Selkirk College.

The investment comes in addition to $600,000 in federal funding for the project from Western Economic Diversification Canada. Selkirk College is contributing $1.04 million, with a further $1.08 million coming from donations and industry sources.

The joint federal-provincial investment was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education for the Province of British Columbia.

Canada’s Innovation Agenda 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. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

The funding will support the Silver King Trades Campus Renewal project, which will encompass the repurposing of three existing buildings. The project will include the demolition of an old cafeteria and administrative services building and the construction of a new building for the cafeteria, multi-purpose open-study area and an Aboriginal gathering place at Selkirk College. Of the $16.18-million investment announced today, $5.84 million is being funded through the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund and $10.34 million is being provided by the Government of British Columbia.

The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund aims to enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. Their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

The Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

The $10.34 million in provincial funding for the Silver King campus project is part of the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment to invest $185 million in trades training facilities and equipment.

The 2025 Labour Market Outlook for B.C. estimates that many of the trades and technical occupations will remain in-demand throughout the province to 2025. For example, the outlook estimates that there will be 10,300 job openings for carpenters, 4,600 job openings for electricians and 3,300 for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics to 2025.

Quotes:

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development –

“Through the Strategic Investment Fund the Government of Canada is helping to enhance the country’s post-secondary infrastructure, including at our technical institutes and colleges. This investment in the Silver King Campus renewal project at Selkirk College will help to create improved learning space for students of the trades and related technical training. This will mean continued success for students, and will ensure Selkirk College is best equipped for the future.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education, Province of British Columbia –

“Selkirk College is celebrating 50 years of helping to build a vibrant Kootenay region and preparing students for success. The rejuvenation of the Silver King campus positions Selkirk for another golden 50 years of helping students to build a bright future for their families and community.”

Angus Graeme, president, Selkirk College –

“Behind a thriving regional and national economy is an innovative and well-prepared workforce. Investing in state-of-the-art trades and technology infrastructure as the Federal and Provincial governments are doing today with the support of our industry and Columbia Basin Trust partners, really moves the dial for Selkirk College to meet our commitment to providing transformative learning for students.”

Colin Makeiv, Selkirk College welding program instructor –

“The Selkirk College Metal Trades shop is one of the oldest buildings on our campus and in British Columbia, yet it has always delivered some of the highest quality apprentices throughout Western Canada. Once this project is complete, Selkirk College will have the opportunity to continue to compete at the leading edge of trades training in British Columbia and will be very proud of what the end results will contribute toward the learner’s environment.”

Grace Ranieri, Selkirk College welding program student –

“I have been a proud Selkirk College student since 2012 working on my Red Seal in the Welding Program. Though I will complete my formal education before the refresh is complete, members of my family are planning on attending trades programs at the Silver King Campus in the coming years and I’m excited that they will have the opportunity to train in modern shop spaces.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Association of B.C. –

“Technical training in trades lays the foundation on which apprentices build their skilled trades careers, in combination with hands-on work experience. This investment will provide students with modern and relevant facilities to further equip them with the knowledge and skill to respond to the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople in B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• Canada’s recently launched Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure the country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help 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 supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Learn More:

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/051.nsf/eng/home

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1105379

Innovation Agenda backgrounder: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1084739

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://ow.ly/XBDsv

B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2025: https://www.workbc.ca/getmedia/00de3b15-0551-4f70-9e6b-23ffb6c9cb86/LabourMarketOutlook.pdf.aspx

Selkirk College: http://selkirk.ca/

Follow Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development on Twitter: @MinisterISED: https://twitter.com/ministerised