Canada and P.E.I. invest in infrastructure at Holland College

Holland College

Today, the Government of Canada announced it will invest $2.3 million for a total combined investment of nearly $4.6 million in Holland College.

Holland College will use the funding to upgrade research and training space at its Prince of Wales campus in Charlottetown. This investment will improve specialized research and training space for 1,400 students enrolled in more than 30 programs designed to meet the needs of local industry. Upgrades will result in improved facilities for students and teachers as well as more efficient electrical and mechanical systems, which will make the 84-year-old campus more environmentally sustainable.

“These types of investments in Atlantic Canada will strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in post-secondary research while providing students with the hands-on skills development they need for the good middle-class jobs of today. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, our government is demonstrating its support for science, hard-working researchers and the talented people they train who will become the scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future,” said The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science.

Funding for this $4.6-million project includes:

• $2.3 million from the Government of Canada; and
• $2.3 million from the Province of Prince Edward Island.

In total, universities and colleges throughout P.E.I. will receive close to $23.3 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing $10.4 million for research infrastructure at institutions in Prince Edward Island. Holland College has been awarded $2.3 million in federal funding for its project.
• This investment supports Canada’s Innovation Agenda, which is designed to ensure our 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 Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• In 2016 the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces unveiled the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which aims to stimulate economic growth in the region by focusing joint federal-provincial efforts and resources on five areas of action: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada