Students in Northern Saskatchewan Benefit from Government of Canada Investment in Skills Training

PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 31, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Students in Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) Natural Resource Technology (NRT) programs will have access to enhanced skills training thanks to funding announced today by Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

Federal funding of $348,952 provided through the Western Diversification Program will allow Sask Polytech to purchase hydroacoustics equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles, enhancing its ability to conduct aquatic habitat surveys and airborne terrestrial mapping activities.

Training on the new equipment will provide students in the NRT programs with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the natural resource management, conservation law enforcement, and environmental service industries.

Faculty and students will also be able to collaborate with industry on applied research projects in the field using the new equipment.

Quick Facts

• Hydroacoustics will further broaden student capabilities to include sonar data and its many applications for lake and river mapping, fish population assessment, and reservoir monitoring.
• Programming will be expanded within the Natural Resources Technology program, including 12 new spots for Aboriginal students to be offered as an extension course in Buffalo Narrows.
• Sask Polytech's Natural Resource Technology programs include: Geographical Information Sciences, Integrated Resource Management, and Resource and Environmental Law.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to supporting skills development and training to meet the demand for qualified personnel in our natural resources sector in northern Saskatchewan. Through this investment, Aboriginal students will be able to stay in their communities while being trained on innovative technology, helping to create jobs and long-term prosperity for those communities."

• Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert

"The Government of Canada's contribution will enable us to enhance the applied research and training capacity for our natural resources programs. This funding will bring cutting edge technology to our programs and provide students with an applied learning environment that supports advancement for business, industry and resource management."

• Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Additional Links

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic

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