UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) and 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown in Oromocto, also referred to as Base Gagetown, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage co-operation between the university and base to foster more exchange and collaboration. This MOU also signals coordinated, strategic support from UNB for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families to facilitate access to university programming.

For example, active duty, transitioning and retired military personnel will have expanded access to post-secondary education at UNB thanks to the prior learning and assessment of military training and non-formal learning that can translate into academic credit.

“By working together, UNB and Base Gagetown will expand access to educational opportunities for both our communities,” said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice chancellor. “We want to provide military members with the best possible academic options to enhance their time in and out of service. UNB campuses will provide a welcoming, supportive environment for their studies.”

The university and 5CDS Base Gagetown have also entered into a strategic partnership. This intentional partnership model is built with the goals of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes for both organizations, and the ability to easily identify and capitalize on opportunities through regular contact.

“I’m truly honoured to launch this strategic partnership between the University of New Brunswick and 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown,” said Colonel Paul Williams CD, Commander 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. “Over the last five decades, the military community in Gagetown and UNB have developed a strong, mutually supporting relationship. Base Gagetown takes great pride in building and maintaining strong relationships with surrounding communities. These deep bonds of community are invaluable to us, and our cherished history with UNB is a special example. On behalf of all Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families, I want to thank the University of New Brunswick for their unwavering support, represented in this partnership.”

As part of this strategic partnership, UNB students, faculty and staff can explore opportunities for research and experiential learning programs in collaboration with Base Gagetown. Military members can also gain access to university research, professional learning and other areas of interest and engagement through this coordinated partnership structure that is governed through a single point of contact.

About the University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university, and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history as well as a dynamic focus on research, innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB welcomes more than 10,000 students from 100 countries to its campuses. With over 100 programs in 14 faculties, UNB helps students acquire the abilities needed to make an impact in their communities.

About Base Gagetown

5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown (5 CDSB Gagetown) was officially opened in 1958 as a training facility. It boasts an 1,100 square km training area, 1,500 km of roads, 900 km of tracks and 740 buildings. As such, 5 CDSB Gagetown is the second largest military base in Canada and the largest military facility in Eastern Canada.

In New Brunswick, 5 CDSB Gagetown is the second largest public sector employer, after the province itself, and third largest employer behind Irving. The Base and its lodger units provide full-time employment to approximately 6,500 military members, including the Reserve Force, and 1,000 civilians. The Base contributes over 200 million dollars to the local economy and more than 700 million to the provincial economy annually.

The main garrison, located in the town of Oromocto, has a large impact on the local community. Base employees and their families represent roughly 75% of the 10 thousand residents of Oromocto. 5 CDSB Gagetown provides services to the town of Oromocto, including water and sewer treatment to the residents.

The total number of personnel at 5 CDSB Gagetown increases dramatically at different times of the year. The training area and facilities are used regularly by units from other Canadian Armed Forces Bases, Reserve units, Cadets, civilian police forces and even American military units. There is on average an additional 10,000 personnel training annually on the Base.

5 CDSB Gagetown has built and maintains a strong relationship with its surrounding communities and is appreciative of the tremendous support it receives from them.

Learn more about the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.
Facebook | Instagram

Media contacts

Kathleen McLaughlin
Media Relations Strategist
University of New Brunswick
talktous@unb.ca 

Captain Mike MacNeill
Formation Public Affairs Officer
5th Canadian Division Support Group Public Affairs
michael.macneill@forces.gc.ca

Photo caption: Chief Warrant Officer David Hudon, Colonel Paul Williams and Dr. Paul Mazerolle.