Minister Ashfield Officially Opens New Brunswick Community College's New Fredericton Campus

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - June 30, 2011) - A new campus in Fredericton will allow New Brunswick Community College to deliver a diverse offering of professional programs, including those aimed at the health care and engineering fields. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially opened the college's new campus, which received support from the Government of Canada.

"This investment created jobs for people in Fredericton at a critical time, while improving the infrastructure that New Brunswick Community College will need to maintain its reputation as an innovative leader," said Minister Ashfield. "Our government's support for the knowledge economy has not only made a difference in the short term, it has set the foundation for future prosperity."

"I am pleased to be part of today's opening of the Fredericton campus of New Brunswick Community College," said the Honourable Martine Coulombe, New Brunswick's Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. "This state-of-the art building will provide students with an enhanced learning environment for years to come. The College continues to play an important role in preparing New Brunswickers for today's and tomorrow's labour market needs."

The Government of Canada invested $4 million in the construction of the campus through its Knowledge Infrastructure Program, while the Province of New Brunswick invested $11 million in the construction and material costs.

The new 52,000-square-foot campus will accommodate 400 students and will focus on information technology, engineering, business administration, health services and social service programs.

"Investments such as this will ensure our students and graduates continue to show up work-ready and equipped with the skills that they and their employers need today and into the future," said Marilyn Luscombe, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Brunswick Community College. "We are excited about this new facility and look forward to welcoming students in this state-of-the art building this fall."

In New Brunswick, the federal government has invested $49 million in 17 projects through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program; the Province of New Brunswick and other partners have invested an additional $118.4 million, for a total investment of $167.4 million.

The Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The program has provided economic stimulus, created jobs and generated the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure future economic growth.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure).

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp).