Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a federal-provincial investment of $8.9 million in a new Centre of Excellence in Sustainability at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).

The investment was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart on behalf of Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education for the Province of British Columbia.

Of the $8.9-million investment:

• $6.9 million is being provided by the Government of Canada.
• $2.0 million is being provided by the Province of British Columbia.

The funding will support the construction of a new Centre of Excellence in Sustainability at NVIT. The new building will provide innovative lab space, demonstrate solar and geo-exchange technologies, and house a new teaching kitchen and greenhouse.

The project will support a new culinary arts program, as well as expand upon current and new activities within NVIT’s trades, environmental resources technology, and law enforcement preparation programs.

The funding from the Government of Canada is being allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

The provincial funding of $2.0 million towards the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability is part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Through B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the Ministry of Advanced Education has committed to investing $185 million to provide up-to-date facilities and the latest technology to give students the skills needed for high-demand occupations.

NVIT is the only Aboriginal public post-secondary institution in B.C. and offers a range of education and training programs.

The project will create approximately 36 direct and 21 indirect jobs during construction, which will get underway shortly with substantial completion expected by spring 2018.

Quotes:

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

“The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology plays an important role by providing students with an education guided by the principles and needs of the Aboriginal community. Our investment through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will create conditions that are conducive to long-term inclusive growth for all Canadians, which will in turn keep our economy globally competitive. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes.”

Fraser-Nicola MLA for Jackie Tegart on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“The Centre for Excellence in Sustainability will allow NVIT to recruit and retain students who want to pursue a career in a range of sectors including the emerging clean technology sector, which is important to our region. NVIT is connecting Aboriginal students with the education and training needed for in-demand jobs.”

Ken Tourand, president of NVIT –

“Environmental accountability and sustainability is a priority of our learners and their communities. NVIT’s new learning facility connects everything from traditional food production and preservation to culinary teachings as well as innovative and flexible lab spaces that support immersing clean technology into all aspects of daily living. This investment from our federal and provincial governments assists in positioning NVIT’s learners to participate in the emerging green technology economy.”

William Sandy, elected student representative to the NVIT board of governors and fourth year bachelor of social work student –

“I have seen the steps NVIT has taken to develop in ways that best supports its learners and communities. This exciting venture provides focused sustainability training and learning labs that showcase the relevant vision of NVIT.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada’s recently launched Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada 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
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology: http://www.nvit.ca/
• Public post-secondary investment map: https://flic.kr/p/P1Dk9z

  Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

  Follow the Province of B.C. on Twitter: @BCGovNews