As an influx of skilled workers reach retirement, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced $35-million in provincial funding to go towards a $70-million expansion project for a new trades centre at Algonquin College.
"I'm here on behalf of 13 million Ontarians and they want to make this investment in the younger generation. Understanding that -- our prosperity, our promise -- is to be found in the younger generation and our commitment to them," McGuinty said during Monday's announcement in Ottawa.
The provincial funding will go towards expanding trades programs and building science facilities at the college in an ongoing effort to battle a shortage of skilled workers in Ontario.
A new trades centre, which is expected to open in September 2011, will provide extra space for about 600 students at the college.
"We don't want to turn down five for every one (student) we take," said Algonquin College President Bob Gillett.
"We want to take those students because this province and this country is going to need skilled workers and we are the generators of skilled workers."
The new facility will be built adjacent to the main campus on Woodroffe Avenue and will include a $5 million pedestrian link.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley
