$1 million extension approved for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College

Premier Danny Williams and Joan Burke, Minister of Education announced today a $1 million extension to Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook. The creation of additional space will accommodate new faculty and staff as a result of the college�s expanded program offerings.

"Education is a primary focus of government�s agenda this year as demonstrated in an additional investment of more than $100 million in Budget 2006," said Premier Williams. "We recognize that education is critical to creating new opportunities for each of our students and ensuring our province can take full advantage of current and future economic development. To this end, we will continue to help our postsecondary institutions improve both programming and infrastructure."

The extension to Sir Wilfred Grenfell College has been identified as an immediate priority within the public postsecondary system. "It is wonderful to see the college grow and continue to provide programming excellence to our students on the west coast of the province," said Minister Burke. "The funding announced today will create new ground floor space and a second story above the Student Services Extension to accommodate 19 new offices."

Government�s White Paper on Public Postsecondary Education committed to enhancing the ability of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College to offer new programming and expand its enrolments. This investment, and continued investments by government have resulted in several new programs, including tourism studies beginning this fall, business studies planned for January 2007 and a sustainable natural resource program planned for the fall of 2007.

"I am delighted to see new programming in business administration, tourism and sustainable natural resources. This is a terrific boost for the college and indeed the entire region," said Minister Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East. "With expanded program offerings and the extension to infrastructure, this is an exciting time for staff, faculty and students. New programming helps expand our capacity for research and development. This in turn will result in commercialization and enhanced employment opportunities for the west coast."

Newfoundland and Labrador�s public postsecondary education system has seen an infusion of $60 million for 2006 � 07 for programming, maintenance and new infrastructure. This builds on the $90 million already committed through the White Paper. "Government's generous funding will further support the growth of Memorial University, especially Grenfell College, enabling us to continue to expand to serve the post-secondary education and research needs in the western region of the province," said Axel Meisen, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University.

"This $1 million investment by government is very much needed and appreciated," said John Ashton, Principal of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. "It will allow us to expand office space for faculty and support staff at a time when the college is adding new programs and preparing for an increase in first-year students. These funds will add to the academic growth of the College and the economic growth of the region".

Tenders for the project will be called immediately. It is expected construction work will be completed for the winter semester.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Director of Communications, Department of Education, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624.

Ivan Muzychka, Manager of Communications, Memorial University of Newfoundland, (709) 737-8665, 687-9433.

2006 06 12                               9:30 a.m.