Press Release
Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle and Marilyn Gouthro, chair of the board of governors of Confederation College, last week celebrated the ground-breaking of Regional Education Alliance for Community Health (REACH) at the college, which received federal and provincial funding totalling almost $20.5 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario’s 2009 budget.
The new REACH building is a centre for academic, laboratory, simulation, and clinical/fieldwork education to meet the needs of students in the School of Health and Community Services.
Operating within an interprofessional, intergenerational, and intercultural education framework, the learning and research centre will prepare allied health care professionals to transform the health care of northern communities.
New programs and learning technologies are expected to attract aboriginals, displaced workers, and youth.
In total, the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $1.5 billion in 49 projects at Ontario’s colleges and universities through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and the Ontario 2009 budget.
“By renewing the facilities at Confederation College, researchers in the community will have the tools they need to be global leaders in their fields and pursue world-class excellence,” said Kenora MP Greg Rickford.
“It is one way that our government is working to strengthen Canada’s capacity to innovate and translate research into meaningful benefits for all Canadians,” he added.
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, is part of the $12 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The program is providing real economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, trades people, and technicians.
It also is helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
“I’m delighted to be part of today’s ground-breaking ceremony,” said Gravelle. “It is such an important milestone for Confederation College and for the future of health care in Northwestern Ontario, and follows through on our government’s commitment to make high-quality post-secondary education accessible in all parts of the province.
“The future graduates of REACH will benefit from world-class facilities and programs, and their education will improve health care in our northern communities in the future,” he added.
“That, along with the 200 jobs this project will create, is a huge ‘win’ all the way around.”
“Through the collaborative support of our provincial and federal partners, Confederation College is developing a facility that will enhance and promote excellence in Health and Community Services education,” echoed Gouthro.
“REACH will create leaders in health and community services, and a cohort of new professionals ready to meet and surpass the challenges of the health and social services sectors and act as a strong contributor to the healthy future of our city and region,” she added.
