Released on February 9, 2009
As part of a $26.4 million investment in the Saskatchewan's advanced education system, the Saskatoon Campus of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is receiving a major facelift.
"Investing in post-secondary institutions will help Saskatchewan build the highly-skilled workforce we need to address our ongoing talent challenge," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "At the same time, these investments are part of Government's ‘economic booster shot,' to stimulate new opportunities and new economic activity."
The funding will support much-needed improvements at SIIT's Saskatoon campus to enable SIIT to develop videoconferencing capacity and redevelop part of its existing facility to support the coaching and mentoring services that are an essential part of SIIT's student experience.
"The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is very pleased and honoured to receive funds to increase our capacity within our existing facilities," SIIT President Randell Morris said. "We appreciate the confidence the Province of Saskatchewan has in our institution and in our ability to produce quality graduates that will enhance the economy and help to increase the First Nations labour force in the province."
"This investment will support quality post-secondary education and skills training opportunities for our province's First Nations people," Norris said. "By investing in education and training opportunities for First Nations people, we are making an investment in a stronger future for all of Saskatchewan."
Norris said that the government will continue to work to build a seamless path among education, jobs and careers, and that investing in First Nations and Métis post-secondary education and training institutions is a key milestone on that path.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Jones Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 798-3106
Cell: 531-4904