$9.5-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation 

November 10, 2016 – Thunder Bay, Ontario

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s $9.5-million investment in Lakehead University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

Lakehead University will receive $9.5 million to modernize and expand an existing building to create a new state-of-the-art research complex to be known as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. The new centre will enable Lakehead University to offer advanced training courses and will help local businesses and start-ups commercialize their products and services and help grow the region’s economy.

Federal-provincial investments in this project include:

$7.96 million from the Government of Canada; and
$1.54 million from the Province of Ontario.

Lakehead University will provide an additional $9.07 million, for a total project investment of $18.57 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history—about $160 billion over 12 years—which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Pictured from left to right, Don Rusnak, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River; the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women; Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; Dr. Amanda Diochon, Associate Professor in Geology; Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

Quotes

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Our government is committed to supporting innovation and economic development, which will help grow the economy across Northern Ontario. This investment will allow Lakehead University to modernize its facilities so that students, local businesses and innovators can create and innovate in state-of-the-art environments.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women

“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to making Canada a leader in science, technology and innovation. This facility will create growth in northwestern Ontario and contribute to a diverse and skilled work force. I look forward to seeing the progression across all industries in the region and to creating more opportunities for our young Canadians.”

– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River

“Today’s investment in Lakehead University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences will give students in Northern Ontario access to state-of-the-art laboratories and provide space for them to advance their research and develop new technologies. By supporting this important project, our government is helping to grow the local economy and create jobs for Thunder Bay residents today while providing students access to high-quality education and training facilities to support the jobs of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines

“Lakehead University has positioned itself as a leader in the area of research and innovation, both provincially and nationally, and at the same time, has helped to drive economic growth in Thunder Bay and the region. I am pleased that the province is investing in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. This investment will allow Lakehead to further enhance its tremendous work in supporting the development and enhancement of the knowledge economy in Thunder Bay and the region.”

– The Honourable Bill Mauro, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs

“This funding will make it possible for our talented researchers and students to do their work to the fullest of their abilities in new labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Thank you to the federal and provincial governments for this support.”

– Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University

“Thanks to the federal and provincial governments, Lakehead University will create a new space on campus that will allow our researchers to answer important questions and create exceptional innovations that will impact this region and the world. This investment will significantly increase research and entrepreneurial opportunities at Lakehead University.”

– Dr. Brian Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University

Quick facts

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario.
Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure our country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will 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.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
Innovation Agenda backgrounder
BuildON

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women

613-291-5561

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Student recipients of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education (OPEFE) scholarships and awards were recently honoured at the Lakehead Chapter of the Professional Engineers Ontario, 55th Annual Engineering and Technology Conference held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Valhalla Inn. 

OPEFE has been supporting Lakehead University engineering students for more than 30 years by providing entrance and in-course scholarships to students who demonstrate a combination of high academic achievement and exhibit leadership characteristics.

OPEFE also awards the Gold Medal for Academic Achievement annually to a fourth year graduating student enrolled in CEAB-Accredited programs within the Faculty of Engineering who has achieved academic excellence by obtaining the highest standing in the final examinations.

Lakehead’s 2015-2016 recipients honoured at the November 4th event included entrance scholarship recipients Matthew Currie and Ashley Andrea, in-course scholarship recipients Kira White and Kevin Barber, and Gold Medal winner Johnathan Van Der Mey.

Pictured right:  PEO Lakehead Chapter Chair Zack White, P. Eng,, WSP and PEO Lakehead Chapter Regional Councillor Michael Wesa, P. Eng., present Kevin Barber with his certificate as a 2015/2016 recipient of the OPEFE In-Course Scholarship (Photo courtesy of PEO Lakehead Chapter).

Dr. Barnett, Lakehead University Dean of Engineering, said of OPEFE’s support, “The long-standing commitment from the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education is instrumental to student success. We appreciate OPEFE’s recognition of academic excellence and leadership and the financial assistance provided to our dedicated students.”

For more information on how to support scholarships for Engineering students, please contact Kathryn Davidson at 807-343-8476 or kjdavids@lakeheadu.ca.

For three decades, David H. Gordon was committed to helping others.  Born in Sudbury, Ontario, David dedicated his life to the legal profession, practicing as a senior partner at McCarthy Tétrault for over 35 years where he was also a tireless mentor to young attorneys.

Today, David’s legacy continues to impact future law leaders through the D.H. Gordon Foundation Law Award.  Established in 2013 by the D.H. Gordon Foundation in his memory, the prestigious $10,000 award is awarded annually to one student from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law on the basis of academic excellence and financial need, with the hope of making law school more accessible and affordable.

Through the generosity of donors like the D.H. Gordon Foundation, the Faculty of Law has been able to recruit and retain highly qualified and diverse students.  These gifts are a special investment in our law school, and instil in our students a sense of confidence, pride, and encouragement.

“Having been selected to receive the D.H. Gordon Foundation Award, the financial costs of pursuing my studies has been significantly reduced, which has enabled me to devote more of my time to focus on my studies and academic activities.  This award has inspired me to believe that I can move forward with my dreams and make them a reality.”

Amanda Somek,
JD Graduate 2017
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law                                                                                                

A photo of David is proudly displayed in the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law to help inspire and call to attention the value of listening, learning, and working hard: driving forces that David exemplified in his life and practice.

For more information on how you can support students at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, please contact Lee-Anne Camlin at (807) 346-7792 or rlcamlin@lakeheadu.ca 

Pictured above from l. to r.: Mark Tilbury, Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement, Leah Ching, LUSU President, Robert Strachan, LUSU Food Bank Coordinator, Lindsey Kelly, VP Advocacy, LUSU and Michel Beaulieu, President of the Alumni Assocation of Lakehead University.

The Alumni Association of Lakehead University recently provided a donation of $2,500 to support the LUSU Food Bank and Food Security programs at the Thunder Bay and Orillia Campuses.  “There is, unfortunately, an ever present need for these services on our campuses,” says Alumni Association President, Dr. Michel Beaulieu.  By making this contribution the Alumni Association hopes to encourage others to support this vital student support.   

When Lakehead University’s Crowd Funding pages launch in the near future, the Food Security for students will be one of the projects that individuals will have an opportunity to support.

I first met Ray Stewart (HBComm '72) in the summer of 2015 in the halls of PACI. Born in Thunder Bay, Ray had travelled from his home in British Columbia to visit his mother and father’s grave and refresh the floral arrangement; an annual event, he acknowledged. Charming, intelligent and incredibly humble, Ray and I spoke for more than two hours of growing up in Thunder Bay, his time at PACI and at Lakehead University.

"Any success an individual achieves is a result of the people in their lives," says Ray.

From parental support, to meeting the Chief of Police as a teenager, having a group of strong academic advisors in university and marrying his high school sweetheart, Ray appreciates the meaning of imperfect decisions and good judgement. People are the difference.

In life, Ray has always worked hard and played hard based on a simple principle. Honour the 7-7-7 rule (work 7am-7pm 7 days a week until the job is done) and surround yourself with people that are smarter than you and who love you.

Encouraged by his first wife, Rita, now deceased, and their two young sons, Ray enrolled at Lakehead university as a mature student and graduated in 1972 with an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Commerce and went on to pursue a Masters degree of Business Admin at Simon Fraser.

A successful businessman and consultant of 3 decades, Ray is now retired and living on a ranch in the South Okanagan with his new wife Jennifer and their eclectic animal kingdom. With a shared love of art, fast cars, travel, animals of all shapes and sizes (yes, even a pet rattle snake named Fred), Ray is proud of his accomplishments. The couple have five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Pictured right:  Ray Stewart with wife, Jennifer in front of the donor wall in the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law building (the former PACI.)

Ray's memories of growing up in Thunder Bay are still vivid and treasured. His boyish grin, ever present as we walked through PACI on that hot summer day, clearly brought him back to a time that was simple and heart-warming.

Philanthropic by nature and inspired by the transformation of a heritage building into a modern Faculty of Law in 2013, Ray and Jennifer have purchased 5 named plaques on the main floor "2013" donor wall in PACI to recognize those people that have made a difference in their lives, including a retired Lakehead University professor. People are the difference.

My time with Ray Stewart two years ago was one of the nicest experiences I have had with a donor. A genuine and hard-working man, he has learned to appreciate the important messages in life. Life is not easy, but it is purposeful.

By:   Lee-Anne Camlin

Many thanks to North American Palladium for their donation of $20,000 in support of Superior Science at Lakehead University.  Their gift plays a significant role in expanding their outreach efforts throughout Northwestern Ontario and the enhancement of their summer science camps, girls club programming, community events and Indigenous outreach. Thank you for sparking our future leaders' interests in science, engineering and technology!

The Institute of Italian Studies has graciously donated $15,000 to Lakehead University to establish the Institute of Italian Studies Graduate Award.

This award will support a Masters or PhD student who is conducting research aligned with the mandate of the Institute in the “promotion, appreciation, research and study of the Italian language, Italian-Canadian culture and history with a special but not exclusive reference to Northwestern Ontario”.

Lakehead University has had a longstanding partnership and interconnected relationship with the Institute of Italian Studies. Since 2013, a gift of $36,000 from the Institute has supported the Cortona Project, a life-changing cultural experience that has brought international exchange students to beautiful Tuscany, enriching the educational experience for participating students to study abroad.

"I thank the Institute of Italian Studies for their exceptional support of our students through its Graduate Award and exchange program," said Lakehead’s President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

“Through this award and the Institute’s ongoing support of Lakehead University, our students and the people of Thunder Bay gain a further appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and positive impact of our Italian community,” he added.

In addition to supporting student scholarships, the Institute has assumed fundraising activities for the University, most notably with the 2005 challenge issued by Dr. Arthur Mauro. The Institute of Italian Studies promoted the challenge to the Thunder Bay Italian community, raising over $150,000 which was matched by Dr. Mauro with an additional $150,000 towards the Advanced Technology and Academic Centre (ATAC) capital campaign and a Chair in Italian Studies.

The generosity and enthusiasm of the Institute of Italian Studies and its members in supporting Italian culture has provided Lakehead University students with an exceptional and unconventional learning environment and experience that will last a lifetime. 

Grazie mille to the Institute of Italian Studies Board of Directors.

Pictured:  Julia Ieropoli (centre) was named Lakehead University's inaugural Naysmith Scholar. The Naysmith Scholar announcement was made with Dr. John Naysmith (third from left), founding Dean of the Forestry Faculty; Bob Rooney (Dr. Naysmith's son-in-law, far left); Jean-Ann Naysmith Rooney (Dr. Naysmith's daughter, second from left); Dr. Brian Stevenson; Dr. Ulf Runesson; and Sasha Naysmith McMonagle (Dr. Naysmith's granddaughter, far right).

A student who has completed their third year of an Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry or Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management will be named annually as the Naysmith Scholar. This student must demonstrate the values and principles that Dr. Naysmith embodies including: leadership, a willingness to listen, the ability to motivate and inspire others, and more.

“John, Toie, and the Naysmith family have given years of service and dedication to Lakehead,” Dr. Stevenson said. “John is in a class of people singled out for their unwavering support of the exceptional and unconventional that is our University – which is why we created this annual award.”

Dr. Naysmith's commitment to Lakehead University, included serving as the Director of the School of Forestry and founding Dean of the Faculty of Forestry from 1988 to 1995. He taught for another 10 years after retiring and made many other contributions to the forestry industry. In 2011, Dr. Naysmith was named a Fellow of the University.

The inaugural Naysmith Scholar is Julia Ieropoli, a fourth-year student working toward an Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Her Lakehead studies have included gaining experience in both the private and government sector, as well as exposure to international situations.

“Julia was selected based on her demonstrated dedication to a level of stewardship that means doing the right thing and using best practices to reach a balance of social and cultural values with ecological sustainability and economic viability,” explained Dr. Ulf Runesson, Dean of Lakehead’s Faculty of Natural Resources Management.

“She also provides leadership and a willingness to volunteer, while personifying the exceptional standard of students our programs are designed for — dedicated and assertive, while at the same time capable of showing humility and a capacity to motivate and listen to others.”

Lakehead University’s Music Department is pleased to announce a new scholarship. The “Roy Coran Memorial Scholarship” was established through funds accrued from three Roy Coran Big Band Concert events held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium from 2013 to 2015.

A local musical legend, Roy Coran entertained audiences for nearly 70 years.  A master of the saxophone and music arrangement, Roy’s work ethic and sheer talent inspired other musicians to join his jazz band and hone their craft.  Coran’s Music Centre was established in 1957 by Roy and his family and served the local musical community for over 40 years. 

The Roy Coran Memorial Scholarship will be awarded on the recommendation of the Department of Music to a student entering the first year of the Honours Bachelor of Music, Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music), or Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music)/Bachelor of Education (Concurrent) degree programs on the basis of strong academic standing and music performance. 

The Department of Music at Lakehead University was established in 1988 and has grown dramatically in size and reputation over the past two decades.  The music programs offered have been carefully designed to offer students a fine balance between academic and performance courses.  Graduates of Lakehead's music program have launched successful careers as music teachers, professional musicians, musicologists, composers, music librarians, arts administrators, music critics, music professors, and many other exciting career paths. 

It has been said that music was Roy’s life.  Through the newly established Roy Coran Memorial Scholarship, his musical legacy will live on and inspire future musicians to dream more, practice more and be more. A gift to Lakehead’s Department of Music will directly benefit a student’s educational experience and professional career. Your support is a “key” to their success.

For more information on how to support the Department of Music at Lakehead University or to contribute to the Roy Coran Memorial Scholarship, please contact Kathryn Davidson, Philanthropy Director at (807) 343-8899 or by email at philanthropy.dir@lakeheadu.ca

With the same spirit and drive that has made TBT Engineering a leading force in the business sector, Rob and Liana Frenette continue to demonstrate a commitment to Lakehead University through the establishment of a graduate level scholarship in civil engineering.  “Having 50 years of Lakehead University in Northwestern Ontario has allowed numerous students to attend university.  Without an engineering program in the region, TBT Engineering would not have been able to achieve all that we have as a Northwestern Ontario business.”   

Liana Frenette, is a past member of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University’s board of directors and a Lakehead Alumna.  In the spring of 2015, Liana, along with her husband Rob, also a Lakehead graduate, graciously made a gift of $20,000 to establish a graduate scholarship in civil engineering. “We rely on the students and graduates every year. A master's in engineering program at Lakehead will allow many to fulfill their dreams of furthering their engineering education,” they explain.    

Recently ranked as one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs, Liana Frenette appreciates the value of a good work ethic and a dedicated team.  Having just celebrated their 20th anniversary under Liana’s leadership as CEO, TBT Engineering credits their success to fostering relationships with local and Aboriginal communities.   

TBT Engineering is Northern Ontario’s largest independently owned civil engineering consulting firm and is proud to be an active community partner, making a positive difference in the lives of people and families in our city.  It is through this corporate philosophy that the students of Lakehead University will benefit for years to come.