by Maria Driscoll

Holland College, the Community College of Prince Edward Island, is receiving $3 million from the federal and provincial governments. The Department of Development and Technology, through Prince Edward Island Business Development, is contributing $1.5 million and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will contribute an additional $1.5 million toward the upgrade of Holland College?s Marine Centre in Summerside. The funds will be used to purchase a Class A, Full-Mission Navigation Simulator, a Dynamic Positioning Simulator, an Engine Room Simulator and a Cargo Handling Simulator as well as to upgrade the facility to accommodate the new equipment and expanded programming.

"This state-of-the-art training facility in Summerside will ensure that students will receive hands-on experience with some of the most advanced technology in the world today," said Greg Deighan, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture on behalf of Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The provincial government is pleased to support Holland College?s vision to reinforce and enhance their commitment to working with the marine training industry to meet current and future training needs, and as well to become a leading edge competitor nationally and internationally."

"I am pleased to see the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency make such a significant investment in our college system," said Joe McGuire on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for ACOA. "Holland College is looked to as a source of training for current and emerging labour market needs and today's investment will allow the college to maintain the marine training centre in Summerside and to further enhance its training capacity in this important area."

"In addition to establishing the Marine Centre as a world class Maritime training facility, the expanded facilities and programming will prove to be a significant contributor to the economy of Summerside and the Island," said Jeanette MacAulay, Vice President of Development and External Relations at Holland College. "Ongoing impact to the local economy will be in excess of 2 million dollars annually."

Holland College is investing $500,000 towards this $3.5 million initiative.

ACOA's funding is being provided through the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). The Strategic Community investment Fund has been designed to work with not-for-profit organizations, such as academic institutions, to address economic development needs of our communities and to stimulate employment and attract investment. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP). For more information on ACOA's programs, visit our web site at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.