Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $597,473 in Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. The announcement was made on behalf of The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and on behalf of The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
Of this, $378,000 in FedNor funding will support Sault College’s capacity to expand local collaborative applied research and development activities in automation, advanced manufacturing, robotics and ICT with the private sector. This investment will encourage improvements in business development and productivity by fostering innovation. Specifically, the FedNor funds will help maintain an Automation Project Manager and a Business Development Officer position, who will work together to develop and coordinate projects with students, staff, and other resources at the college.
An additional $219,473 in funding from Employment and Social Development Canada under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in Training Equipment (formerly the Union Training and Innovation Program), to help the college purchase an augmented reality welding simulator system. This equipment will allow the college to further advance the training offered to students in the welding trade.using new and up-to-date technologies that meet the evolving skills requirements and technological developments of the labour market.
The financial support announced today will help position Sault College to build additional strategic alliances, help modernize businesses, and develop value-added products, processes and technologies.
Quotes
“There is a lot of fantastic innovation occurring in Algoma region right now, and opportunity for a lot more. This investment will help ensure that our local industries and businesses are implementing and supporting that innovation. Every development in our region starts with a spark, and I’m proud to say these funds will feed the fire that drives us forward.”
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
“The Government of Canada understands that building vibrant regional economies requires a multifaceted approach. Supporting business development is important to strengthening our economy now, and investments like these that foster innovation are the key to continuing that growth into the future. We are proud to partner with innovators across Northern Ontario in creating a diverse regional economy that works today and tomorrow.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“The skilled trades are vital to our economy and to building the Canada of tomorrow. With help from the Union Training and Innovation Program, employers have access to state-of-the-art equipment for apprenticeship training. A new pool of innovative and talented tradespeople will not only fill available jobs, but also cultivate the skilled workforce we need to support a variety of sectors.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
“This investment from the Government of Canada allows Sault College to further its commitment to innovation and experiential learning. By enhancing our applied research capabilities and our welding training tools, we’re able to offer even greater learning opportunities for our students and further contribute to the growth of local industries. We are proud to be a key partner in helping our local industries thrive, and this investment will further strengthen our ability to drive innovation and collaboration.”
- David Orazietti, President, Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
Quick facts
- The FedNor funding announced today is provided through the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
- Since the start of the Union Training and Innovation Program in 2017 (now part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy), the Government of Canada has invested nearly $305 million in grants and contributions funding under this program.