GRAND FALLS (CNB) – The Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), Edmundston campus, is upgrading its bio-energy and bio-products applied research and technology facility in Grand Falls, with support provided by the federal and provincial governments.
The funding was announced today Premier David Alward.and Mike Allen, MP for Tobique-Mactaquac,
"We are all well aware of the tremendous growth potential in the bio-energy sector," said Alward. "Through this investment we are ensuring our future graduates have at their disposal the technology necessary to take advantage of this growth. We must continue investing in innovation and technology to keep our province at the forefront of these advancements."
"Our government's investment in this project will help this region grow the economy, create jobs and build a vibrant, dynamic community," said Allen. "We are committed to making investments that contribute to the development of a more innovative and competitive economy in this region."
Allen spoke on behalf of National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
"This funding will provide teaching staff and students at the CCNB increased access to more learning opportunities through participation in applied research projects," said Norbert Roy, assistant executive director of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. "As CCNB modernizes, we can now expect a more intensive integration of activities focusing on research and innovation. This will be of great benefit not only to CCNB students and instructors, but also to employers recruiting our graduates, who will have been exposed to a post-secondary education environment that is innovative and stimulating."
The federal and provincial support has helped CCNB - Edmundston acquire new biomass energy equipment to perform research on biotechnology product options for the natural resources sector. The mobile equipment will allow the college to immediately work with companies on pilot scale projects at the Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and Biotechnological Sciences in Grand Falls or at client sites.
The federal government, through ACOA, is investing $346,400 in the project under the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The provincial government is contributing $346,000 through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Energy.
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