Algoma U to receive almost $100K to increase enrollment at Sault, Timmins campuses

NEWS RELEASE
MPP ROSS ROMANO
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Ontario’s government is supporting Algoma University as it expands its facilities and programming to increase enrollment at its campuses in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. Today, Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities and MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced an investment of $97,125 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for Algoma University to develop a Campus Master Strategic Plan.

The plan will help guide the university as it develops innovative programming and better infrastructure that supports education and research activities that align with today’s industry needs.

“Our government is proud to help Algoma University enhance its learning environment to better support the development of a highly educated workforce,” said Minister Romano. “With this investment, we are reinforcing the north’s competitive advantage and sending a signal to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”

“Today’s announcement reinforces the ongoing commitment of the Provincial government and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support the efforts of Algoma University to position itself as a national leader in Truth and Reconciliation, as well as our efforts to quantify our economic impact and plan for future growth that will benefit the Algoma region and beyond,” said Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University.

The NOHFC promotes and supports economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate growth, job creation and develop a skilled workforce.

That’s why Ontario is working to develop new NOHFC programs that will:

• Make it easier for more people and businesses to apply
• Support more projects in rural northern communities
• Target both existing and emerging market opportunities
• Provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people
• Address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

“We have heard from northerners who want NOHFC programs to be open to a broader range of businesses and workers so that the unique needs of Northern Ontario communities are met,” said Minister Rickford. “Through these proposed changes, Ontario’s government will continue to build strong and resilient communities while supporting an environment where businesses can thrive, grow and create good jobs.”

Strengthening the north’s post-secondary institutions is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Ontario's plan is creating more good-paying jobs and opportunities in the north and attracting new and expanded investment so northern communities can grow and thrive.

Quick Facts

• Algoma University also received $25,000 through the NOHFC to host the fifth annual National Building Reconciliation Forum last October in Sault Ste. Marie, in partnership with Nipissing University, the University of Northern British Columbia, Cape Breton University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. The forum brings together senior university officials and Indigenous leaders from across Canada to create meaningful and lasting institutional change in the higher education sector to advance reconciliation.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $148 million in 1,073 projects in Northern Ontario. 

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