Canada and Yukon invest to renew infrastructure at Yukon College

$3 million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

WHITEHORSE – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a $3.06 million investment in Yukon College.

This joint federal-territorial investment was announced today by Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, by Dr. Judith Arnold, Deputy Minister of Education, on behalf of the Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Yukon Minister of Education, and by Dr. Karen Barnes, President and Vice Chancellor of Yukon College.

The Government of Canada’s 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 is a prime example of that vision in action.

The funding will support the renovation of the library to create a 21st century Innovation Commons at Yukon College’s Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse and undertake an upgrade of the power supply to the campus. The total investment of $3.59 million will be shared by the federal government ($1.53 million), the Government of Yukon ($1.53 million) and Yukon College ($531, 528).

The funding from the Government of Canada is being 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.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s 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 Government of Yukon funded the design component of these two projects in 2015/16. The strategic investment in Yukon College’s power supply benefits not only the Ayamdigut Campus and its future growth, but also the Yukon Arts Centre, the Yukon Archives and the Yukon Housing Seniors Complex, as electrical upgrades are needed before any further growth could occur at the site.

Quotes

“These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation.”
– Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Encouraging scientific awareness in Yukon and across Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through investments such as those under the Strategic Investment Fund, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for making Canada a global leader in scientific excellence.”
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

“The Innovation Commons project will bring together learning, research and project development to create a modern and technologically innovative space for students, faculty, and researchers at Yukon College. Both the renovation to create the Innovation Commons and the power supply upgrades support Yukon College as it moves towards becoming a university.” 
- The Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Yukon Minister of Education

“We are grateful for this investment by Canada and Yukon towards our goal of offering exceptional student experiences. With the new Innovation Commons Yukon College students will have greater access to a variety of quiet and collaborative study spaces as well as innovative tools and technologies to support their learning and research.”
– Dr. Karen Barnes, President and Vice Chancellor, Yukon College.

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada 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 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 Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• Innovation Agenda backgrounder

Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED