News Release

For immediate release
September 20, 2002

UCCB’s R&D CAPACITY STRENGTHENED WITH GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ASSISTANCE 

SYDNEY, N.S. – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), today announced Government of Canada assistance to enhance on-going research and development activities at the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB).

“UCCB plays a crucial role in the economic development of Cape Breton Island. All areas of economic activity have a knowledge-based component and on-going research and development provides the foundation for economic diversification and job creation,” said Minister Byrne. “The work to be conducted in this enhanced facility at UCCB will enable the Cape Breton economy to move forward into new areas of opportunity.”

The projects announced today include $2 million for the enhancement of research and development space at the University College, and $236,600 towards the establishment of a microelectronics lab.

UCCB will undertake a major renovation of its A-wing and Technology Enterprise Centre to provide space for the University College’s research and development work in the information technology, oil and gas and environmental sectors. The total cost of the new facilities is $3.2 million and the Government of Canada, through ECBC will provide a non-repayable contribution of $1 million, with an additional $1 million from the ACOA Business Development Program. 

The renovated space will include labs and offices to house the new National Research Council – Institute of Information Technology development unit focusing on wireless communication. This also includes renovated facilities, designated laboratories and smart classrooms at UCCB, to enhance research and learning in microelectronics, petroleum and environmental and ecological areas of study.

The Government of Canada has also provided $236,600 toward the establishment of an applied microelectronics laboratory through ACOA’s Business Development Program. This state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratory will focus on the design of high precision microelectronic devices.

“Today’s announcement is an investment in diversifying Cape Breton’s economy,” said UCCB’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Gordon MacInnis. “UCCB has a history of innovation and collaboration in the economic development of the community it serves. This project strengthens our ability to pursue new opportunities, in partnership with the 
private sector, in the growing areas of oil and gas, information technology and environmental industries.” 

The renovations to the A-wing and the Technology Enterprise Centre are expected to begin in the new year and last approximately six months. It is anticipated up to 40 people will be employed during the construction phase.

Rodger Cuzner, MP for Bras d’Or - Cape Breton, said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s support to economic development on the Island.”

“Positive things are happening in the local economy and UCCB, with the support of the Government of Canada, is a catalyst for development,” said Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney – Victoria.

UCCB provides opportunities and partnerships to help learners and communities at large meet educational, cultural and economic goals. UCCB education, training and discovery models have helped shape the progress of this region and its people for more than 25 years. The UCCB campus is home to a diverse learner population pursuing a broad range of degree, diploma, certificate and trades training options in an integrated learning environment. An impressive record of industrial outreach as well as an expanding distance education offering complement existing academic and skills training strengths. To learn more, visit www.uccb.ns.ca.

Government of Canada funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of State
613-941-7241

D.A. Landry, ECBC 
Tel: (902) 564-3617
dlandry@ecbc.ca

Kerrianne MacKenzie
Stewardship Officer
University College of Cape Breton
Tel: (902) 563-1232
E-mail: kerrianne mackenzie@uccb.ns.ca