Government of Canada Connects Science and Technology Graduates With Businesses

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 27, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), today announced a Government of Canada contribution of up to $4,185,000 to the University of Toronto Engineering Career Centre. This contribution will give valuable internships to recent graduates, while the businesses will benefit from the technical and scientific knowledge these graduates offer.

"Our government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister of State Goodyear. "Today's announcement will help young scientists and engineers get the professional experience, mentorship and business skills they need as they develop into the next generation of leaders in business and innovation in southern Ontario."

This investment is being provided through FedDev Ontario's Graduate Enterprise Internship, which provides funding for not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions to arrange internship and mentoring opportunities for recent graduates and graduate students of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs with small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The University of Toronto Engineering Career Centre arranges co-operative education placements and internships for University of Toronto engineering students, placing about 600 undergraduates per year at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southern Ontario. This investment from FedDev Ontario will allow the Centre to place up to 300 graduates and graduate students at SMEs in the region.

"The Graduate Enterprise Internship Program at the University of Toronto will allow recent graduates as well as graduate students from our science and engineering programs to build their work experience and develop their careers," said Professor Jill Matus, U of T's Vice-Provost, Students. "U of T is very appreciative for the support provided by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario. This new program will help our students gain new skills and contribute to our economy."

For more information on the Graduate Enterprise Internship and the University of Toronto Engineering Career Centre, please refer to the backgrounder.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.