$5.5 million announced to expand CNA in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Joan Burke, Minister of Education and John Hickey, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and MHA for the District of Lake Melville, announced today that $5.5 million has been allocated to complete the extension to College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"While $1 million was announced in Budget 2006 to begin this project, I am pleased to announce that the full cost of the project has been approved by government and the extension should be complete by next spring," said Minister Burke. "This is one of our fastest growing campuses and students, staff and teachers will be served well by having the work completed so quickly."

The tender for construction of the extension was awarded to Colby Construction Ltd., in June. Site preparation has already begun, and water and sewer work is underway.

"This announcement today is another example of this government�s commitment to Labrador and rural areas of the province," said Minister Hickey. "College of the North Atlantic is developing a new generation of leaders in Labrador and this extension will undoubtedly enhance the quality of education they currently receive."

The multi-million dollar, two-story extension will be more than1,800 square metres, providing additional space for new classrooms, two lecture theatres, a library, increased common areas and offices. The addition will also house the Labrador Institute of Memorial University, and such college programming as the Comprehensive Arts and Science Transfer Year and the Integrated Nursing Access program.

"The college is delighted to see this work underway. The recently released white paper Foundations for Success addresses the need for expansion at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus and this new addition will go a long way toward enhancing the educational options and services available to the people of Labrador," says College of the North Atlantic President Bruce Hollett. "It's also very much a part of the joint capacity and partnership-building between the college and Memorial University in bringing an increased level of post-secondary services to this region of the province."

Minister Burke noted that this is the latest in a series of announcements designed to strengthen the college�s ability to offer the highest quality programming to meet industry needs, including additional funding for expanded programming and increased access to Adult Basic Education. "Government also allocated $13 million in Budget 2006 to address on-going requirements and infrastructure needs at College of the North Atlantic. The college has a major role to play in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, and we will continue to ensure it has what it needs to prepare its graduates for success," said Minister Burke.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 08 21                               1:00 p.m.