The federal government’s planned investments in jobs for young people, infrastructure, health, and applied research is good news for the Algonquin College community and good news for Eastern Ontario.
“I applaud the federal government for their efforts to make postsecondary education more affordable, and for the strategic investments that will unlock the potential in our students, faculty and applied research activities,” said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. “Investments in infrastructure and postsecondary research are really an investment in our learners, and through education they will prosper and develop the skills they need for today’s innovation economy.”
The federal budget, released today, announced $2 billion over three years, starting in 2016-17, for a new Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. This funding will help postsecondary institutions modernize on-campus research, commercialization and training facilities. Colleges will be better equipped to create world-class programs and conduct the research our entrepreneurial start-ups need to grow and prosper.
An additional $95 million per year to the granting councils (Canada Institute for Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Research Support Fund) will further support the applied research at colleges.
Colleges have long been leaders in providing real-world education and training and connecting our students to opportunities with local employers. The announced a Post-Secondary Industry Partnership and Co-operative Placement Initiative will ensure more students have access to experiential learning opportunities that will help them get the job they want.
Reforms to the Canada Student Loans program will make the financial aid system simpler and help more low- and middle-income families.
Algonquin College is especially pleased the budget is committing $800 million over four years, starting in 2017–18, to support innovation networks and clusters. These networks are what ensures our post-secondary programs and applied research are connected to the latest innovations through partnerships that benefit our students, engages industry and leads to positive economic outcomes for our region. Located next door to Canada’s largest technology and research park in Kanata, Algonquin College is well poised to leverage these new supports into strategic partnerships.
“The government’s Innovation Agenda, in particular, is perfectly timed to spur economic growth,” added Jensen. “We look forward to playing our part in building Canada as a centre for global innovation.”
“Additionally, the emphasis on data – through the reinstatement of the long-form census, open government initiatives, and enhanced labour market information – is very helpful to our institution as we plan for the needs of our communities.”
Algonquin College students have answered the challenge yet again.
Students have raised $66,476 in support of the Spread the Net Student Challenge since 2012, and – as has become an annual tradition – the CBC’s Rick Mercer stopped by to congratulate them on winning the 2016 Spread the Net Student Challenge.
Proceeds raised through the Student Challenge, an annual competition organized by Plan Canada, support the fight against malaria in Africa through the purchase of bed nets. Mercer, relaying his own experience from a trip to Africa, said the bed nets make a huge difference – saving lives and ensuring the communities can grow and flourish. Each net costs about $10 and can protect a family for up to five years.
2015-16 marked the fourth consecutive year the students of Algonquin College have been named the postsecondary Student Challenge champs.
In addition to a rally in the Student Commons, Rick visited a few classes as part of a segment which will air on The Rick Mercer Report season finale on March 29.
Algonquin College will add two new electrical labs in 2017 with space for 120 apprentices, and a new welding lab in 2018 supporting multiple apprenticeship programs, thanks to $4.6 million in Apprenticeship Enhancement Funding (AEF) from the Ontario government.
In addition, the College will launch a Cook pre-apprenticeship program for 20 Aboriginal learners this May after receiving $238,053 in pre-apprenticeship funding. This program will provide them with level one apprenticeship training and an eight-week placement in the Ottawa food service industry.
Ontario Energy Minister and Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Bob Chiarelli announced the funding this morning at an event held in Minto Hall at Algonquin College’s Centre for Construction Excellence. Apprenticeship funds were also announced for Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre, YMCA, Ontario Industrial and Finishing Skills Centre, and LiUNA Local 527.
“Ottawa has many exciting construction projects underway in the coming years, including light rail, and this investment will help ensure Ontario’s future workforce has the skills and training for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Chiarelli. “This investment will help support the almost one in five new jobs in the province that is expected to be created in the trades in the coming decade.”
“Our government always talks about the importance of Building Ontario Up, and our talented skilled tradespeople are literally doing that in every corner of our province, including in Ottawa,” added Reza Moridi, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “Ontario’s apprenticeship training system, supported by employers, colleges and unions, is a crucial part of our plan to build the highly-skilled workforce we need to compete, and I’m proud that we are supporting so many projects that will bring new equipment and high demand training programs to the local markets that need it.”
“I am very proud of the students at Algonquin College, and I know I speak for the entire College community when I say we are very grateful for the province’s investment in our students. And, I would add, this is really an investment in the future of our community,” said Cheryl Jensen, the College’s President. “We are forging a new path in the training of the workers of tomorrow, workers who will keep our city and province at the forefront of innovation.”
The new labs will include the latest state-of-the art equipment, while supporting growth in apprenticeship enrolment and completion at Algonquin College. The electrical labs will be added onto the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, while the welding lab will be an addition to the College’s automotive building. Construction on the new labs will begin this summer.
Seriously, is it a four-peat? Well, whatever you call it…
Algonquin College students have, for the fourth time in a row, been named the postsecondary winners of the Spread the Net Student Challenge.
The Spread the Net Student Club, which was supported by the Algonquin Students’ Association, raised the most money of any postsecondary institution in Canada in support of Plan Canada over the course of the annual fundraising competition. The announcement was to be made last night on The Rick Mercer Report – due to a last minute challenge, the announcement did not happen but the College was given approval to announce the win.
The students will be rewarded with a visit from CBC’s Rick Mercer within the next month as he tapes part of an episode of his show from Algonquin College. The Spread the Net Student Challenge winners’ segments will be shown on Mercer’s season finale in April. Stay tuned for details on how you can participate.
Congratulations to all involved on another successful campaign!
College education in Ontario will be strengthened by the measures announced today in the 2016 Ontario Budget.
“I applaud the efforts by the government to help ensure more Ontarians have access to a quality postsecondary education,” said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. “We believe education is one of the best ways to ensure a better quality of life for your family, and new investments in college-based applied research – as outlined in the budget – is an important boost to innovation within our communities. We also congratulate the province for their continued investment in postsecondary education and training for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners.”
The budget helps more low-income students pursue higher learning that leads to a good job without incurring debt. For example, the budget measures will result in free average tuition for every student with a family income of $50,000 or less, starting in the 2017-18 school year.
There are also commitments that students in families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive non-repayable grants in excess of average tuition, and students in families with family incomes of less than $50,000 will have no provincial student debt. The maximum debt level for higher-income families will be capped at $10,000 annually.
Another budget highlight was an important investment of $20 million over three years for college-based applied research projects. This funding will allow colleges and businesses to work together on real-world research that helps businesses become more innovative and create new jobs.
As well, colleges were pleased with the increased investments for aboriginal education and the commitment to consult on college funding as the sector approaches its 50th anniversary in 2017.
“The budget recognizes that colleges are drivers of their local communities, through education, applied research, and community resources,” added President Jensen. “The province is improving access to a college education through this budget, which is essential in our new innovation economy.”
Samir Al-Rubaiy is a first-year Computer Systems Technician student at Algonquin College, and his goal is to study computer security. Wednesday night, Samir was recognized for security skills of a different kind.
This past December, Samir saved twin toddlers from a fire in his apartment building. The toddlers’ mother, Bernadette, was accidentally locked out of her apartment when one of the children closed the door behind her.
“Bernadette needed help. My children play with her children. I didn’t really think about what I was doing. You just do these things,” Al-Rubaiy told the Ottawa Citizen at the time.
Last night, as part of the second annual Cyber Security Days conference at Algonquin College, Samir was presented with an award by one of the conference’s sponsors Cisco, recognizing his bravery.
“I congratulate Samir for demonstrating true heroism and community service,” said Subir Chadha, Vice President, Ottawa sales for Cisco Canada. “We are all in awe of Samir’s courage during the events that transpired last December”, added Craig Delmage, Senior Manager of Information Security and Data Privacy at Algonquin College, and conference chair. “I am honoured and proud that Samir is determined to join the cyber security profession once he graduates.”
The funds from Cisco’s award will be used to help cover Al-Rubaiy’s education at Algonquin College.
L-R: Alessandra Bottero, Initial PR; Bryant McNamara, Initial PR; Councillor Marianne Wilkinson; President Cheryl Jensen; Alex Scantlebury, Initial PR; Graham Spero, Initial PR; Councillor Rick Chiarelli
We’re open for business, and students are all fired up about it.
At today’s launch event for Algonquin College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the centre’s official name – IgniteAC – was formally unveiled, and students were introduced to the resources designed to help them launch their businesses during their studies.
“We believe that college is the best place to start your business, and in the coming years you will hear us talking more about how we are building that entrepreneurial culture internally with our students and employees,” said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. “Algonquin College has long been known within the college sector as an innovator, and by opening this centre we are placing more tools in our toolbelt and better equipping our students and graduates for success.”
The centre, located in room C151, is open to students and employees of the College. It offers office and meeting space, and connections to a variety of College entrepreneurship resources including events, education, and programming (like the upcoming SUMMIT Summer Intensive entrepreneurship ‘boot camp’ this summer).
The centre complements existing entrepreneurship support offerings within the College, including Applied Research – a business incubation service uniting innovators, students, and faculty mentors to tackle business challenges.
The Algonquin Students’ Association’s Executive-in-Residence, Andrew Foti, also supports students working out of this space and guides students through the many community resources outlined at www.algonquinsa.com/entrepreneurship
In addition to the centre’s opening, guests were treated to a surprise announcement – a business launch! Initial PR, a public relations firm headed up by four Algonquin College students, officially unveiled itself to the world. Company president Bryant McNamara spoke to his classmates’ burning desire to start their own business.
“We are honoured to be a part of this new facility, as this is precisely what we need at this time to make sure that we succeed in our career and in the economy of today,” said McNamara. “This economy is one that requires entrepreneurship to grow, and Algonquin has heard that call. IgniteAC will be a valuable resource, supporting us as we blaze our own trail into the working world.”
The College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship forms one part of the Capital Entrepreneurs program, a joint venture with Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and La Cité collegiale, which is supported by the Ontario government through the Campus Linked Accelerators program.
The Ottawa Police Service is honoured to host the 2nd Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics taking place at Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Ave, on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in partnership with the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Polar Plunge takes place in several cities across Canada and raises much-needed funds for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Ontario.
“We are a non-profit organization and we want to continue to support athletes and their families by providing quality sports and training programs,” stated Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario.
Athletes range in age from children, youth to adults who have an intellectual disability. Sports and training programs are only possible through funds raised through initiatives like the Polar Plunge.
“These athletes are my heroes, truly,” said Ottawa Police Inspector John McGetrick. “Their perseverance and dedication to their sport, coupled with their enthusiasm and sportsmanship, makes for a really enjoyable team experience for athletes, as well as their families.”
Plunging begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27. Register online, collect donations, and track your fundraising progress.
About Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics Ontario is part of a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through transformative power and joy of sports. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Special Olympics encourages sports and fun, bringing people together and breaks down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities through a unified sports approach.
The hats were raining down on Algonquin College employees Wednesday afternoon, as they were informed the College had been once again named a Top Employer in the National Capital Region for the third year running.
At a special event featuring former Ottawa Senators captain Laurie Boschman, employees were surprised with ball caps and the opportunity to celebrate ahead of this morning’s announcement of the College as a Top Employer.
“Algonquin College has a strong reputation for student success, and we take employee success just as seriously,” said Cathy Frederick, Vice President, Human Resources. “We know that investing in our people, and tapping into the pride they have for this institution, is central to our mission of transforming our students’ hopes and dreams into lifelong career success. This award reflects the pride our employees have for this institution and – while I have not yet met everyone, having started at Algonquin College just last fall – I can say AC pride is obvious and easily acquired!”
The National Capital Region Top Employer competition is organized and judged by Mediacorp. Twenty five employers in the Ottawa area are selected for the honour, based on criteria such as work and social atmosphere, employee communications, training and skills development, and community involvement, among others.
Here were a few reactions from employees:
“Being a part of such a dynamic and entrepreneurial college has been a dream come true for me,” said Chris Doré, part-time professor and entrepreneur-in-residence at the College’s Pembroke campus. “The professionalism and caring that I have seen from my fellow instructors and professors make me proud to be a part of such a wonderful team of educators. The openness of the various Algonquin College program Coordinators, Chairs and Deans are key to the entrepreneurial environment that has allowed me to flourish as a professor and bring value to the students I teach. They have encouraged a “just do it” environment that enables me to provide my students with an educational experience that I hope makes a difference in their lives.”
“My first year working for Algonquin College has been filled with much excitement and I have been astonished by our unique brand of Algonquin pride,” said Amy Desjardins, Executive Director of the Algonquin College Foundation. “It is that pride and that common purpose of transforming hopes and dreams into lifelong career success which makes this College a top employer. At the Foundation, it is a privilege to work with the community to support our students and ensure that our College continues to grow and thrive for future generations.”
“I have been working with Algonquin College for the past four years, starting out as a part-time Professor, then a coordinator, and now the Academic Chair at Perth Campus,” says Gerry Salisbury, Academic Chair at Perth campus. “After 30 years of policing experience, the transition to the education sector has been an amazing journey. The staff and faculty at the college are extremely supportive and I especially enjoy working with our students, who are preparing to be the leaders of our future. At Perth campus, it is very rewarding to work in an environment that is an integral thread of the community and a partner in the success of so many lives. I am so very proud of our students achievements, and our faculty and staff’s dedication and commitment. It is a pleasure and an honour to play a small part to help build the future!
Registration is now open, and tickets are already going fast for this year’s no-charge Cybersecurity Conference at Algonquin College, coming up this February 24 and 25!
Across industry, media, and government, cyber security will be among the hot topics of 2016. What are the challenges facing business and government in 2016, what new technologies are on the horizon to meet those challenges, and what are the job opportunities in cyber security? Join us at the Cyber Security Days 2.0 Conference: Privacy Risks and the Impact on You, a no-charge two-day conference, and find out!
Building on the tremendous success of Cyber Security Day 1.0, this premier National Capital cybersecurity event brings together Algonquin College and its partners from education, high technology, private sector, and the federal government.
Come and learn from Canada’s pre-eminent thought leaders, authors and researchers, brought in from across the country. Share ideas on current topics in cyber security, privacy, youth and cyber, dark actor tactics, as well as the state of cyber security and privacy careers. Visit with global leading cyber security companies, see the latest in cyber security solutions and check out the career opportunities. Sit-in on the new cyber security startup showcase, technical hacking related demonstrations and take your turn at the hacking village.
Visit www.algonquincollege.com/cybersecdays to see the list of speakers and presenters including Greg Young, VP, Gartner; Dave Black, RCMP; Dr. Michael Cheng of CHEO; John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada; and many others.
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