FedNor Investment Supports State-of-the-Art Equipment for TEC Hub at Confederation College

Written by FedNor on 08 August 2018

Fostering innovation and research to boost entrepreneurship and skills training in Northwestern Ontario

THUNDER BAY, ON – Innovative, job-creating businesses and entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario will benefit from a skilled, employment-ready technology and trades workforce thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $1 million. Specifically, the FedNor funding will enable Confederation College to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to ensure cutting-edge technologies are available for students at its new Technology, Education and Collaboration (TEC) Hub.

“Supporting Canadian innovation is a key priority of our government, which is why we made it a pillar of our recently released Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario. This strategic investment in Confederation College will help to further position Northwestern Ontario as a leader in the innovation economy, while creating a highly skilled workforce that will contribute to strengthening our economy.” the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

Don Rusnak, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

“I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the unique needs of Northwestern Ontario and is investing to support innovators and jobs creators right here at home. This investment in Confederation College will deliver immediate results in the form of jobs, growth and prosperity, helping to improve the lives of families that live and work in the region.” Don Rusnak, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River“A longstanding supporter and partner, the Government of Canada continues to recognize the value of postsecondary learning and Confederation College. Through FedNor’s substantial contribution to the TEC Campaign, our students will be able to learn by using only the best and most state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. This will ensure they are fully prepared for the careers of today as well as the careers of tomorrow.” Jim Madder, President, Confederation College

The TEC Hub will feature 45,000 square feet of vibrant research, incubation and technology transfer services to support the region’s advanced manufacturing, technology and resource sectors. Designed to inspire innovation through technology, education and collaboration, the facility will contain the latest and most advanced equipment such as virtual reality technology, multi-axis computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machines and production-grade 3D printers. The TEC Hub will also include classrooms, shops and laboratories that are flexible and adaptable to the consistently evolving educational and training needs of Canadian and international employers.

Quick Facts

The recently released Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation
Once complete, Confederation College’s TEC Hub is expected to attract approximately 200 new
post-secondary students to Northwestern Ontario, while creating up to 20 highly-skilled middle-class jobs in the region.