Government of Canada Celebrates Opening of UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Centre at University of Ontario Institute of Technology

OSHAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 26, 2014) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Today, Minister Gary Goodyear, accompanied by local MP Colin Carrie, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). The Centre is open to indigenous students attending UOIT and to community partners who use the expanded communal space for ceremonies and seminars.

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, UOIT received an investment of $213,298 to expand and renovate the facility that now houses the Indigenous Student Centre. The project included creating a larger, more accessible communal space with the inclusion of native and natural design elements. The UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre is an important part of the educational journey of indigenous students, providing an environment that fosters personal and cultural growth, along with academic success.

Since 2009, FedDev Ontario has acted as a co-investor and champion for southern Ontario communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations by strategically investing in projects that help build a strong foundation for long-term economic growth and actively promoting the region and its attributes.

Quick Facts

• In Ontario, 430 projects were approved under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, including tourism facilities, community centres, libraries and recreational facilities.
  
  
• First announced in Economic Action Plan 2012, the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund was a national short-term economic stimulus program that provided $150 million for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of community infrastructure facilities across the country.
  
  
• Since its creation, FedDev Ontario has invested almost $1.2 billion, resulting in partnerships with more than 5,300 organizations and more than $1.5 billion in additional leveraged investments from almost exclusively non-government sources to support businesses, organizations and communities in southern Ontario.
  
  

Quotes

"FedDev Ontario, through programs such as CIIF, continues to work with stakeholders in southern Ontario, in order to create jobs, growth and long-term economic prosperity. The UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre is an example of a community facility that will support students in their educational pursuits, providing them with opportunities to contribute to the vitality of their communities in the future."

- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"Durham Region has the highest percentage of people with Aboriginal ancestry in the Greater Toronto Area and it is only fitting that this region is now home to a facility like the UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre. I am proud that our Government has invested in this important infrastructure project that will support our Aboriginal students and will give them the opportunity to thrive in their educational pursuits."

- Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa

"The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is grateful for the partnership and generous financial support of FedDev Ontario, the Baagwating Community Association, and our community friends in helping to create the UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre. The new student centre is already a place that recognizes and celebrates Indigenous histories and cultures, enhancing the university's unwavering commitment to the success of all students."

-Tim McTiernan, PhD, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

"It is with great pride and satisfaction that the Baagwating Community Association has donated seed money in the amount of four-hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($450,000) for this very worthy project, a centre and a home base for aboriginal students in the heart of Oshawa, which we hope will become a beacon to our greater community."

- Dr. Gary Edgar, Chair of the Baagwating Community Association

Associated Links

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund Program

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

UOIT Indigenous Student Services

Baagwating Community Association

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