PETIT-DE-GRAT (NS) – November 27, 2009 – Thanks to support from the Government of Canada, a new marine centre will be established at Université Sainte-Anne’s Petit-de-Grat campus.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that help communities build on their strengths,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway “The marine sector is vitally important to many rural, coastal communities in Atlantic Canada and the establishment of a marine centre in Cape Breton will promote the development of the sector and attract additional investment.”
The Université Sainte - Anne will develop a marine centre at its Petit de Grat campus to strengthen the sustainability of marine related industries in rural communities through research, innovation and education. The centre will provide resources to the fishery sector and work with industry partners to develop and test new equipment and ideas, improve practices, increase the value of traditional species and explore new species development. In addition, the centre will serve as an interpretive centre and feature an aquarium where visitors can learn about local marine life and conservation.
“L’Université Sainte-Anne has the confidence to take advantage of the tremendous growth potential for the marine industry in our community,” says Michelle Theriault, Coordinator at the Petit-de-Grat campus. “This support from the Government of Canada is vital to our campus’ success.”
The total cost of the project is $1.1 million. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing $475,000, through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The centre will be operational in early 2010.
Université Sainte-Anne is the only French language post secondary institution in Nova Scotia. It offers courses and programs to campuses located across Atlantic Canada. The Petit-de-Grat campus has established itself as a leader in educational and training excellence and continues to perform a significant role in the marine industry.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Michelle Theriault
Coordinator, Université Sainte-Anne
902-226-3922
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617