UNB helping drive digital transformation
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on May 6, 2022
Category: UNB Fredericton
Supporting digital transformation across all sectors of the economy is key to Canada’s economic recovery.
Post-secondary institutions and colleges will play a crucial role in fueling an innovation ecosystem and talent development while building the digital economy of tomorrow. This will help prepare workers for the jobs of the future, support business growth and attract investments right here in Canada.
On May 6, Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a total investment of $3,958,000 for two projects to help drive digital transformation in New Brunswick.
ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $2 million to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) as well as a non-repayable contribution of $1,958,000 to Université de Moncton (UMoncton), to help the institutions hire resources to increase enrollment and experiential learning for their computer science programs.
Expanding these programs will allow more students to connect with local businesses to gain experiential learning, accelerate the development of digital skills and talent in the province, and complement the newly established McKenna Institute for Digital Transformation in New Brunswick.
The announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in an inclusive workforce and equipping people with the skills and knowledge they need to take advantage of new opportunities and jobs in Atlantic Canada.
Quotes
“We are committed to driving economic growth in Atlantic Canada by supporting strategic partnerships between industry and academic institutions like UNB and UMoncton. By focusing on digital programming linked closely to industry needs, we are supporting the training of skilled workers and helping move Atlantic Canada’s digital economy forward.” - The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“As we emerge from a challenging two years and industry modernizes to increase productivity and remain competitive, it’s more important than ever to invest in projects that support innovation and the development of digital talent. They are key to ensuring a prosperous economy for all and advancing a higher standard of living throughout our region.” - Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
“The needs and requirements of our knowledge-based economy continue to expand while the demand for highly skilled graduates who will be future innovators and changemakers has never been higher. Thanks to the generous support from ACOA, UNB will substantially increase the number of computer science graduates who will help solve the jobs gap challenge facing New Brunswick and also assist local businesses to compete across global markets.” - Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick
Media contacts
- Heather Campbell, University of New Brunswick, hcampbel@unb.ca
- Marianne Blondin Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, marianne.blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
- Ann Kenney, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Photo: (L-R) Gilles Roy, Vice-Rector, Academic Research, Université de Moncton, Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Université de Moncton, Francis LeBlanc, PhD, Assistant Vice-President Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Université de Moncton, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Dr. David MaGee, Vice-President of Research, University of New Brunswick, Dr. Luigi Benedicenti, Dean of Computer Science, University of New Brunswick.