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Media Contacts

Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
343 291-1777

Rodney Porter

Communications Director
Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training
rodney.porter@gov.bc.ca
250 889-7494

Dustin Ruth

Media Relations Officer
College of New Caledonia
778 349-0597

Backgrounders

How the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund has benefited B.C. and the College of New Caledonia

The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation – one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. The investment at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) exemplifies that vision in action.

  • The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund have promoted economic activity across Canada and helped 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 fund supported the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
  • CNC’s new heavy mechanical trades facility was constructed to a LEED Gold building standard, with a net-zero increase in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to help meet the college’s carbon-neutral objective.
  • 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. have benefited from a total of 30 individual projects throughout the province.
  • CNC has provided training and education for residents in northern British Columbia since 1969. The college serves an area approximately 117,500 square kilometres, or 12% of the province, at its six campuses (Prince George, Quesnel, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Burns Lake).
  • The 2018 Labour Market Outlook forecasts approximately 6,100 job openings for trades occupations in northern British Columbia over the next 10 years, including 1,600 in the Cariboo region.