Released on September 9, 2011
The University of Saskatchewan's International Centre for Northern Governance and Development (ICNGD) announced new investments in research and education for northern Saskatchewan.
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration (AEEI) Minister Rob Norris joined ICNGD this afternoon to announce the Government of Saskatchewan's investment of $1 million to help northern students study, stay and succeed in their northern communities.
"The provincial government places a high priority on training for Saskatchewan people, including First Nations and Métis persons, to meet the needs of our growing economy and to put our talents to work at home," Norris said. "Our support for the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development will help ensure our post-secondary system supports our northern residents so they can experience the Saskatchewan Advantage first-hand."
The funds are for expansion of a new Master of Northern Governance and Development program to help students in northern Saskatchewan stay in their communities while completing their degrees and to deliver community-directed research that will seek innovative solutions to governance and development challenges facing northern Saskatchewan communities.
In addition, Gary Merasty, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Cameco Corporation, announced that they would match the government's funding commitment with another $1 million investment distributed over five years to be used by the ICNGD for graduate student internships, research support, scholarships and distance learning support including the establishment of a new state-of-the-art videoconference facility.
"We are thrilled to receive this level of investment from the Government of Saskatchewan and Cameco Corporation," ICNGD Director Greg Poelzer said. "It really demonstrates that government and industry want to work together to affect real change in Northern Saskatchewan."
Another investment of just under $60,000 was pledged by the federal government's Mitacs Accelerate program, an initiative that connects students with real world partners and builds industry interest in funding research.
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For more information, contact:
Rikki Boté
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156