Students preparing for careers in some of B.C.’s most important services have new roofs overhead and an upgraded driver training facility, after a joint Canada-B.C. investment in infrastructure at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).

Two capital projects were completed with the federal and provincial investment.

The first provides students with a weather-protected, modular learning facility at the Driver Education Centre in Pitt Meadows. The new design supports the delivery of specialized driving courses, primarily for police recruit and sheriff training. The Province is contributing $640,000 to the Driver Education Centre, topped off by $179,000 in federal funding, for a total $819,000 investment.

The second project is the replacement of the 21-year-old roofs on three buildings at the main JIBC campus in New Westminster, which helps reduce winter heat loss, save on summer cooling and reduce the carbon footprint at the institution. The $1.89-million roof replacement was funded through a $1.59-million provincial government contribution, and $304,000 from the federal government.

The completion of these projects was announced by Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Melanie Mark, B.C. Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Investments through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are being used to modernize research facilities at Canadian universities and colleges, as well as improve the energy efficiency of these facilities and reduce their impact on the environment. 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. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

In total, British Columbia received $256 million through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. Twenty public post-secondary institutions and one private First Nation institution in B.C. are benefiting from a total of 30 individual projects throughout the province.

Quotes:

Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada –

“This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

Melanie Mark, B.C. Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training –

“Students at the Justice Institute of British Columbia are the future skilled workers for our vital community services, such as fire, ambulance and police. The new JIBC facilities will improve the students’ learning experience, and ultimately benefit all of us who rely on their skills in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.”

Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows –

“These new facilities will give students the experiences to prepare them for the challenging careers that await. JIBC graduates will serve in demanding professions, and their training will greatly benefit communities like Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and others throughout the province.”

Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –

“The new roofs and driver training facility are going to make sure JIBC can keep graduating some of B.C.’s most important professionals for many years to come. Students, staff and faculty will all benefit from these improved facilities.”

Michel Tarko, Justice Institute of British Columbia president –

“This investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia will upgrade JIBC campus facilities for its students, faculty and staff. The renewed infrastructure will mean improved access to and increased opportunities for our specialized driving courses in Pitt Meadows, as well as cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint at our New Westminster campus.”

Stuart Ruttan, Justice Institute of British Columbia, dean, school of criminal justice and security –

“JIBC’s school of criminal justice and security includes the three top users of the Driver Education Centre — the police academy, sheriff academy and law enforcement studies diploma program. Each of these areas incorporates experiential learning and hands-on training, which take place in almost all weather conditions. The new classroom facilities at our Driver Education Centre will help provide modern and comfortable spaces, where discussions can take place with recruits and students before and after driving the course.”

Megan Eastes, law enforcement studies diploma student –

“JIBC’s driving track allows for classroom-based learning to be put into action in a practical, hands-on way, with police expertise guiding the scenarios. This helps encourage aspiring police officers to carry on through the LESD program, to make it to the police academy or RCMP depot. The new classroom building will provide an easily accessible and comfortable environment, where students can engage in class discussions before and after driving the track.”

Learn More:

Canada’s Innovation Agenda: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/062.nsf/eng/home  

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

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