The Government of Canada is providing $1 million to support Confederation College, helping Northern Ontario's aerospace sector to rebound
April 11, 2022 - Thunder Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology delivers post-secondary education and training to an average of 7,000 students each year. To help it recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the college will receive a non-repayable contribution of $1 million from FedNor. This support, granted through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), will enable Confederation College to implement the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Expansion project.
Today's funding announcement was made by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
To help meet the growing demand for qualified aviation professionals across the country and around the globe, this strategic initiative will enable Confederation College to strengthen and expand its Aviation Program to meet industry needs. Specifically, this targeted investment will support the acquisition of state-of-the-art multi-engine training simulators, five Cessna 172 trainer aircrafts, lab renovations and site improvements. Once fully implemented, this three-year initiative is expected to enhance program offerings, promote Indigenous participation in aviation, increase domestic and international enrolment by more than 70 students each year, while creating 10 full-time jobs in the Thunder Bay region.
Aerospace is a pillar of the economy and of innovation in Canada. It is one of the most research‑intensive and export-focused manufacturing industries, employing over 230,000 highly qualified people in regions across the country. The aerospace sector is essential to the economic development of communities and businesses from coast to coast to coast. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses within Canada's aerospace sector by helping them recover and seize opportunities to contribute to the country's future growth.
