Holland College is pleased with the level of support for the Island’s post-secondary institutions in today’s The Speech from the Throne, Holland College President Dr. Sandy MacDonald said today.

"We are excited about the collaborative approach the new government is engaging in to address the skills, training and labour needs required to build our Island economy and we look forward to working closely with the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning to ensure that Islanders are receiving the best possible opportunities as they embark on their post-secondary educational journeys,” he said.

MacDonald said he is especially encouraged by mention of a new Bioscience Skills and Training Initiative with industry, government, and post-secondary institutions.

"Our Bioscience Technology program has been supplying skilled technicians to the bioscience and biotechnology industries for years and this new initiative will ensure that, moving forward, we are meeting the needs of employers in this emerging sector,” MacDonald said.

The Holland College president also noted the long-standing positive relationship with the provincial government.  

"Holland College and the provincial government have had a productive relationship since our very beginning, fifty years ago. With the present approach, we can only see this relationship getting even better,” he said.