Communities thrive when we create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellness, collaboration, learning and innovation. The Government of Canada recognizes that strong, vibrant communities are the foundation of a strong economy that benefits all Canadians.
On February 8, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced total contributions of more than $324,000 for two projects in Shippagan.
The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $197,000 through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to the Université de Moncton to help establish a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) hub on the Shippagan campus. The new hub will develop innovative industrial processes for the manufacturing and seafood sector and respond to the increased need for training of a specialized workforce.
The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation is providing a non-repayable contribution of $110,000 to the university for this project through its Strategic AI Acceleration Fund.
The Government of Canada is also providing a non-repayable contribution of $127,064 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) to the Municipality of Shippagan to renovate the Les Arpents de neige outdoor centre's main building. The work, which will improve accessibility to the centre, includes constructing an extension, replacing the windows, roof, and siding, as well as installing two new heat pumps and LED lighting.
The Province of New Brunswick is contributing $120,000 for this project.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to help build stronger communities by investing in infrastructure and initiatives that drive innovation.
Quotes
"Projects like these ones are the building blocks of strong, vibrant communities, and innovative, competitive business sectors. By working closely with municipalities, provincial partners, and learning institutions, we are developing the infrastructure, the talent and the technology needed to position our region as leaders in the innovation economy."
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Resilient, diversified, prosperous communities are the foundation of strong inclusive regions. I'm pleased that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, supports these projects in Shippagan. With these investments, we help stimulate the local economy, create skilled jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents."
- Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst
"Our support of this collaborative project is another example of how applied R&D makes its way into our industries. Projects such as this involve a high degree of industrial collaboration and training of highly qualified personnel. Increasing the AI capacity in our province will also allow for more complex industry-relevant projects to continue to take shape. All of which will continue to foster our economic growth, a driving force behind our financial commitment. We will continue our support of UdeM and its pursuit to rapidly increase the capacity for NB's leading AI researchers and robotics engineers."
- Jeff White, CEO, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
"Our government is pleased to invest in community infrastructure projects that help build vibrant and sustainable communities. The renovations at Les Arpents de neige outdoor centre will ensure that the facility can be used for years to come and that the residents of Shippagan and the region have the opportunity to stay active and healthy."
- Réjean Savoie, MLA for Miramichi Bay-Neguac and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
"In a context of globalization and labour challenges where the use of advanced technologies is becoming essential to the competitiveness of industries and businesses, the new Carrefour de formation en robotique et intelligence artificielle (CFRIA) will support potential and current industrial partners by offering them high-level training that will enable them to take advantage of these disruptive technologies. The CFRIA's team of experts will help partner companies explore robotization and artificial intelligence options in order to positively impact their operations and costs."
- Sid Ahmed Selouani, Vice-President, Université de Moncton - Shippagan campus
"I would like to highlight the efforts made by MP Cormier in the realization of this great collective project. This project was necessary for the continuity of the Centre's activities, and we are more than grateful that the two levels of government and the community made it possible."
- Kassim Doubia, Mayor, Municipality of Shippagan
Quick facts
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Shippagan is a port and university municipality located in the Acadian Peninsula region of Northeastern New Brunswick.
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Founded in 1963, Université de Moncton is a francophone university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in higher education, research, and service to the community. The University has three campuses in New Brunswick, including one in Shippagan.
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The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
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The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces.
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The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation's Strategic AI Acceleration Fund was created to rapidly increase the capacity of New Brunswick's leading AI researchers and position them to create and grow collaborative projects with industry partners.
Associated links
For more information
644 Main Street, PO Box 6051
Moncton New Brunswick
Canada E1C 9J8
www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
