The Department of Education is providing $400,000 to the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University�s Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre in Stephenville to support its on-going operations and the future growth of the centre.

"The operating funding provided by the Provincial Government is allowing the SERT Centre to expand and provide the type of programming announced today in Stephenville," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "We know there is significant opportunity to grow the centre�s offerings in the future. This funding will allow the centre to maximize its huge potential."

The Marine Institute is recognized as Canada�s leading centre of fisheries and marine training. Part of this reputation derives from the SERT Centre, which is one of the premiere fire training facilities in the country. More than 1,000 students receive training in firefighting, emergency response and industry safety each year at the centre.

The SERT Centre is an important arm of the Marine Institute�s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre. It is a modern training facility with a team of highly trained and experienced instructors. Its nationally certified programs, unique training capabilities, location, and ability to provide customized, site-specific training ensure the centre is fully prepared to respond to all their clients� training requirements.

Memorial�s President Dr. Axel Meisen noted that the SERT Centre is an example of how Memorial is building new community partnerships, especially with rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. "SERT has been successful because, in addition to making university-based expertise available to students, SERT also has a strong working relationship with the Stephenville Airport Corporation," he said. "The university values these kinds of partnerships and we are appreciative of the government�s support of SERT�s activities. I look forward to its continued growth."

"The SERT Centre provides a great opportunity for students and clients in western Newfoundland to have improved access to training," said Glenn Blackwood, executive director, Marine Institute. "As we continue to grow the centre here in Stephenville we have a goal of evolving it into the major fire and emergency services academy for Eastern Canada. I believe, with strong partnerships and government�s support, that this is attainable."

"The SERT Centre is an important facility that contributes significantly to the economy of the west coast and we look forward to seeing its continued growth in the area of emergency response training," said Minister Burke. "The Provincial Government is extremely proud of the reputation the Marine Institute enjoys internationally and is pleased to make this investment that will see this reputation expand."

-30-

Media contacts: