Oct 21, 2016
VANCOUVER, BC - Students, faculty and staff at Langara College will benefit from a $1.58-million investment that will improve the environmental sustainability of the campus and enhance learning conditions.
This joint federal-provincial funding was announced today by the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, B.C. Minister of Advanced Education.
Canadas Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.
The funding will support the replacement of two 1970-era, energy-intensive ventilation systems that are reaching the end of their useful life. The new fan systems will improve air distribution, reduce operating costs and improve energy consumption at Langara College.
Fans are being replaced in Building A, which houses many classrooms and all lab spaces in the arts, business, humanities and social science programs.
Of the $1.58-million investment, $1 million will come from the federal government and $584,000 will come from the Province of British Columbia. Langara College will contribute an additional $610,000.
Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which aims to enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the- art facilities that advance the countrys 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.
That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.
The fan replacement project at Langara College is estimated to be completed in spring 2018. Approximately ten direct and four indirect jobs are expected to be created as a result of the project.
Quick Facts
- Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure the 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 targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canadas 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 Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canadas climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
- Nearly one million job openings are expected in B.C. over the next decade, and eight out of ten of these openings will require post-secondary education. In-demand occupations requiring post-secondary education or training range from professional to management to trades.
- The Province of British Columbia is directly investing $904 million in planned capital expenses in the post-secondary sector over the next three years. The Province has invested more than $2.8 billion in capital and infrastructure projects at public post- secondary institutions in B.C. since 2001, with more than 1,650 capital projects throughout the province.
About Langara
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as house of teachings, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Langara College
604.323.5702
mdawson@langara.bc.ca
Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343.291.2500
Sarah Newton
Public Affairs Officer
Communications Office, Ministry of Advanced Education
250.213.1703
sarah.newton@gov.bc.ca
