Northlands College, City of Flin Flon, Town of Creighton, and the Northern Health Region have entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing professional development, service delivery, workforce development, and community well-being in the northern region of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
The MOU outlines a framework for joint projects, academic programs, and collaborative initiatives that leverage the strengths and expertise of each institution. Key areas of collaboration include the exchange of professional services and training, employment opportunities and programming, community development initiatives, health promotion and education, and research and innovation.
"This is an important milestone for the northern communities across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This memorandum of understanding will forge relationships across both sides of the border. We expect better educational and employment opportunities to emerge in the region and this is an effort to go beyond the lines on a map and develop stronger communities." said Raj Sweda, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Health Region.
Northlands College will play a pivotal role by providing training programs, facilitating workforce development initiatives, contributing to research and innovation projects, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The Northern Health Region (NHR) will share expertise in healthcare services and health promotion, collaborate on health education programs, and support community health research. The City of Flin Flon and Town of Creighton will provide access to community resources, coordinate development initiatives, and promote collaborative programs.
"Any time we can work together as communities from two provinces to enhance educational opportunities that's a plus. When you combine that with the potential for filling positions in the healthcare sector it is a double win. We are thrilled to be part of this.," said George Fontaine, Mayor of Flin Flon.
On this historic event for the college and Northern Saskatchewan, Karsten Henriksen, President & CEO of Northlands College stated, "This collaboration is historical in the context of Northern Saskatchewan and post-secondary education. It underscores the crucial role of regional colleges in contributing to the labor requirements of Northern Regions, demonstrating our belief in the system and the potential of Northlands College."
Henriksen further highlighted the broader impact, saying, "Canada faces significant challenges in recruitment for rural and remote areas. Northlands College is committed to equipping our graduates with opportunities in these regions and opening doors for industries to contribute to local economies. Our recent initiatives, including the inauguration of Northern Saskatchewan's largest dental therapy clinic and the expansion of our Nursing programs, exemplify our dedication to community health and workforce development."
Bruce Fidler, Mayor of Creighton, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, " I am very pleased to be part of this collaboration with the other 3 partners. Working together with the goal of addressing the needs of the shortage of educated medical workers in the north is of great importance.This collaboration, hopefully will be the first of many opportunities we have to work together.This should make the training available for more students,both locally and regional. I thank all the other partners for being part of this first collaboration."
This MOU marks the beginning of a promising collaboration aimed at addressing local challenges and seizing opportunities for the betterment of the communities involved. The Parties are committed to negotiating a comprehensive, legally binding agreement to ensure the successful implementation of this partnership.
