by Maria Driscoll

Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Dr. Brian McMillan, Vice-President of Programs at Holland College, today signed a mutually beneficial agreement on the new Charlottetown Government of Canada Building. This 3-year agreement will see approximately 125 College students participate in various activities related to the project and an on-the-job training placement program during the design and construction phase of the new Government building.

"I know PWGSC is extremely pleased to be entering into this agreement with Holland College, its faculty and students," said Mr. Murphy. "It provides an opportunity for PWGSC to work with academia to share knowledge, build relationships and facilitate additional economic, environmental and social dividends for Canada and the Province of P.E.I."

Students participating in this Agreement are from a variety of College programs: Architectural Technology, Construction Technology, Carpentry, Electronics Engineering Technology, Plumbing, Steamfitting/Pipefitting, Environmental Technology, Electrical Technology, Business Information Technology, Photography, and Journalism.

"This is an excellent learning opportunity for College students," commented Dr. Brian McMillan. "These students will benefit from exposure to the most current construction and environmental technologies as well as all of the other aspects that go with a building project of this magnitude."

The building, which will be located on University Avenue, at the corner of Fitzroy and Euston streets, will be the most environmentally friendly building ever constructed by Public Works and Government Services Canada. The building is expected to open in Spring 2006 and will exhibit a number of sustainable features, including a green roof.