Province to spend $310,275 on robots

NEWS RELEASE DAVID ORAZIETTI, SAULT MP ************************* Provincial Government Supporting Post-Secondary Research and Development in Sault Ste.

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, SAULT MP

*************************
Provincial Government Supporting Post-Secondary Research and Development in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault College is receiving funding from the Ontario government to expand their campus robotics lab, announced David Orazietti MPP today.

“Our government continues to demonstrate strong support for Sault College and this investment helps to ensure program diversity that will attract additional students to our local college,” said Orazietti. “Provincial investments in post-secondary programs which introduce leading edge technology, such as robotics, creates an opportunity for greater innovation and skill development, all of which are vital to the long-term economic growth of Sault Ste. Marie.”

Through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), an investment of $310,275 will allow Sault College to purchase, integrate and install additional industrial robots and auxiliary equipment for their robotics lab, creating an ideal environment that facilitates full scale industry research and effective hands-on learning.

The new Robotics Lab at Sault College will provide robotics training to industry personnel in Sault Ste. Marie; expand its engagement in industry-led applied research projects relating to automation and advanced manufacturing; and will lead to the development of a talent pool of highly qualified personnel.

“The robotics lab provides a locally-grown talent pool that promotes innovation in our region. With the generous funds provided from the NOHFC, Sault College will expand its engagement in industry-led applied research projects relating to automation and advanced manufacturing. As a leader in new technologies including the field of robotics, Sault College will provide relevant training to industry personnel in our region and teach robotics as part of our programs, leading to the further development of a talent pool of highly qualified personnel who will stay in the North, support our industries, and grow our communities,” said Dr. Ron Common, Sault College President.

Supporting post-secondary education and skills training is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow.

The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

In Sault Ste. Marie, the NOHFC has invested $95 million in 796 projects, creating or sustaining more than 2,819 jobs, since 2003.

Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested almost $1 billion in 6,570 projects in Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 25,100 jobs.

Key Provincial initiatives supporting Sault College since 2003 include:

$9.5 million Academic Building at Sault College
$7.1 million Facility Renewal, Improvements and Modernization
$5.0 million Health and Wellness Centre
$1.9 million Apprenticeship Programs
$1.8 million Student and Community Services Hub and Link ($1 million MTCU, $800,000 NOHFC)
$1.6 million Additional Instructors and Increased Student Resources
$1.0 million New IT Infrastructure
$750,000 Multi-Media Centre
$603,673 Pre-apprenticeship Training and Increased Apprenticeship training, Creating 30 New Positions
$519,350 for Aviation Program Equipment Upgrades
$513,353 NOHFC Interns
$495,040 Nursing Simulation Equipment
$327,332 Endowment Fund - Ontario Trust Program
$320,000 Wind Energy Training Centre
$309,984 Services for Students with Disabilities
$295,000 Automated Water Treatment Project
$186,500 Digital Film Production
Nurse Practitioner Clinic and Algoma Public Health Building on Campus