CARLTON TRAIL REGIONAL COLLEGE WELDING SHOP OFFICIALLY OPENS

Construction is now complete on the Welding Shop project at Carlton Trail Regional College (CRTC) in Humboldt. Brad Trost, MP Saskatoon-Humboldt and Education Minister and Humboldt MLA Donna Harpauer on behalf of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris were present at the official grand opening.

This project is part of the $118 million the provincial and federal governments are contributing under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) announced in June 2009. The Welding Shop renovation and upgrade project received $220,000 in joint funding from the federal and provincial governments and Carlton Trail Regional College.

"Our government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life for Canadians," said Trost. "This investment is promoting local employment now and will provide an important resource that Carlton Trail Regional College students and the community will use for years to come."

The project involves the renovation of an existing welding/multi-purpose shop including installation of a new boiler, a new ventilation system and the replacement of the shingles on the roof. The new ventilation system will result in improved air quality and a cleaner environment.

"Our province is in need of skilled workers and we want to ensure learners have access to safe, quality training to help meet that need," Harpauer said. "This project will provide our students with their education and skills training in a healthier environment."

"Carlton Trail Regional College and its stakeholders are extremely grateful to the Federal Government Knowledge Infrastructure Program and the Provincial Government for their investment to upgrade the welding shop in Humboldt," Carlton Trail Regional College CEO Glen Kobussen said. "Providing CTRC and our partner students with an enhanced and healthier learning environment will make an important contribution to supporting and growing the local economy and workforce. The renovated welding shop will also serve as a multi-use learning facility."

KIP is a two-year, $2 billion program that is providing economic stimulus measures to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including universities and community colleges. It is resulting in the creation of jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians, as well as helping to ensure that Saskatchewan and Canada are better positioned to contribute to, and benefit from, the global knowledge economy.

For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170 Media Relations
Industry Canada
Phone: 613-943-2502