Portage College is pleased to be a part of a $6.6 million federal funding announcement to strengthen economic opportunities in the Cold Lake region.
On August 26, Portage College officials joined City of Cold Lake representatives, Cold Lake First Nations leadership, community groups, and federal government members at the official announcement event in Cold Lake.
The funds include a $6million repayable investment to support Cold Lake First Nations-owned Etthen Energy Corporation, and a $600,000 investment at the Cold Lake Regional Airport to upgrade and renovate hangar space that is being used for the Portage College Aircraft Structures Technician trades program.
“We are pleased to share in this wonderful opportunity for the Lakeland region and its people. The recent funding announcements highlight the growing demand for aerospace, and the opportunities for both the City of Cold Lake and the surrounding communities,” said Don Moore, Associate Vice President Academic at Portage College.
The support for Etthen Energy will go towards an expansion project to develop heavy oil resources beneath Cold Lake First Nations land.
This investment at the airport supports the Government of Canada’s efforts to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces while building the skilled workforce and domestic industrial capacity needed to support our women and men in uniform.
“As our government responds to the realities of a rapidly changing world, there is an opportunity to build on the region’s strengths to create a stronger, more secure country, while creating good jobs and delivering lasting benefits for the people who call this region home,” said Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski.
Also responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Olszewski said the funding is a pathway to further regional success.
“These investments will help ensure that Cold Lake and Cold Lake First Nations benefit from the opportunities ahead,” she said.
Representing the minister at the August 26 event, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend Matt Jeneroux said the funding is an investment in the region and its people.
“The federal funding announced today will advance Indigenous participation in resource development, provide spaces that strengthen specialized aviation training capacity, and help build a highly skilled workforce that can drive prosperity across Northeastern Alberta for years to come.”
For the full press release – including quotes from Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko and City of Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice – visit the Prairies Economic Development website.