Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Development and Technology, today announced an investment totalling more than $1.3 million for two projects involving the University of PEI and Holland College for new video game training and programming.

An investment of more than $660,000 from ACOA and a $680,000 contribution from Technology PEI will allow the institutions to market new programs and purchase the necessary hardware, software and curriculum resources. Funding from both levels of government will help advance the video game industry on PEI by further developing a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of the growing information technology sector.

"The Government of Canada continues to make investments in innovative technology to improve Canada's productivity performance," said Mr. Keddy. "Our investment through ACOA, of more than $660,000, will help Atlantic Canadians obtain the skills they need to participate in the development and growth of Canada's informative technology sector, especially the video game industry."

UPEI will establish a video game programming stream within the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. The courses offered will be among the first in Canada at the undergraduate level. The University will receive $426,245 from ACOA, through its Business Development Program, and $445,000 from Technology PEI.

"The Province of Prince Edward Island recognizes that solid educational programs are essential in today's information technology sector," said the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Development and Technology. "In order to attract world class companies, we must work with schools to ensure there is a steady supply of qualified employees capable of succeeding in a highly competitive industry."

"By providing Islanders with an opportunity to study and work in this exciting emerging field, the university is endeavouring to address the demands of both students and employers. The program to be introduced is demanding, but for those students who rise to the challenge, the future looks extremely positive," said Vianne Timmons, UPEI Vice- President of Academic Development.

Holland College will be developing two programs; one will offer a diploma, the other a certificate option covering the fundamentals of art and design. The College will receive $235,000 from ACOA, through its Business Development Program, and $235,000 from Technology PEI.

Mike O'Grady, Vice President of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development for Holland College, said the new programs will prepare Islanders to enter the highly-lucrative video game industry.

"With a global market of about $30 billion, video game production is serious business. For individuals with a background in art or technology, our two-year Video Game Art and Design program will enable them to acquire the skills they need to enter the industry. For those who may need some basic training first, our 20-week Introduction to Video Game Art and Design program will help them prepare for the two-year program," he said.

In this picture: Gerald Keddy (sitting left), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Richard Brown (sitting right), Minister of Development and Technology learn about projects for new video game training and programming from Michael O\'Grady (standing left), Vice-President of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development for Holland College and Dr. David LeBlanc (standing right), Chair, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of Prince Edward Island. Mr. Keddy and Minister Brown announced an investment totaling more $1.3 million for two projects that will allow the institutions to market new programs and purchase the necessary hardware, software and curriculum resources.

INFORMATION:
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264

Major Stewart
Province of PEI
902-620-3508

Anne MacCallum
UPEI
902-566-0760

Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier
Holland College
902-566-9615