More than $1.1 million in joint federal-provincial funding was announced to create a Centre for Environmental and Economic Resilience at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU).
Funding for the project will go toward the creation of a Centre for Environmental and Economic Resilience, which will enhance more than 6,000 square feet of existing space located in a designated heritage building on the Canadian Mennonite University campus. The new centre will be designed to accommodate the incubation and expansion of partnering social enterprises working toward low-carbon living and community development.
“Investing in research facilities that create stronger linkages between post-secondary and local research institutions will create new opportunities for Manitoba students to gain hands-on experience and build a promising career,” said Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart. “We are pleased to support this initiative that will encourage dynamic partnerships and help spur innovation in our economy, while strengthening Manitoba’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship.”
“Our government is proud to support this important project, which will create opportunities for research and development of innovative solutions to address climate change and help build a sustainable economy,” said Doug Eyolfson, MP for Charleswood, St. James, Assiniboia and Headingley. “This investment is indicative of the important work CMU is doing to focus on the needs of the community, as well as providing students with the education and training they need to join a strong, healthy middle class.”
The Centre for Environmental and Economic Resilience will serve as an academic hub that will allow partnering organizations to collaborate on research among other partners at the centre, take part in educational and research seminars, consultations, and conferences, as well as present opportunities for students at the university to take part in various co-op options.
“This generous investment of the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba signals a bold vision for cross-sector relationships and projects in service of society’s well-being,” stated Cheryl Pauls, president, CMU. “CMU is grateful for the generous entrustment and partnership in this project from both levels of government. We look forward to the quality of social enterprise and stewardship that will be imagined and enacted through this centre.”
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1.68 million with the Government of Canada providing $745,906 in funding for this project through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, while the Province of Manitoba is providing $418,504 and Canadian Mennonite University will be providing the remainder of the balance. This fund is designed to promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
