May 11, 2009 - Northern College's Second Shovel-Ready Project Contingent Upon Funding

Plans for the construction of a $16.3 million Centre of Excellence in Health Sciences and Emergency Services at the Porcupine Campus have been on the table for 5 years. This expansion would address a number of program areas in which enrolment is quite strong and where graduates are finding employment opportunities due to critical shortages of health-care workers in Northeastern Ontario and along the James Bay Coast. Health care education and training would focus on expanding the delivery of the Bachelor of Science – Nursing, and Practical Nursing programs to rural communities through distance education using leading edge technology .

A Centre of Excellence in Health Sciences and Emergency Services will also enable the College to expand science-based program offerings such as, medical lab technology, pharmacy technician, public health inspection, and occupational health and safety.

“Employers talk about workforce succession with upcoming retirements and they have serious concerns about how their training needs can be met locally. Northern College is doing all it can to meet those needs with our current space and resources,” said Fred Gibbons, Interim President.

“We feel as challenged as employers to respond to the needs of industry and communities. For Northern College to play a role in building capacity in the local workforce, it can be done only through expansion and investment in increased access to programming, technologies and equipment,” explained Mr. Gibbons.

The second phase of the Porcupine Campus -- a Centre of Excellence in Health Sciences and Emergency Services , will allow the College to increase program capacity in addition to introducing new allied programs that are being requested by local employers.

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Media contact:
Kathy Gagain, President’s Office (705) 235-7136

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