For immediate release

Nov. 21, 2008

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GEORGIAN COLLEGE OPENS CANADA’S MOST ADVANCED MARINE SIMULATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE

OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO — The most advanced marine simulation and research centre in Canada officially opened today at the Owen Sound Campus of Georgian College.

Representatives from the federal and provincial governments, the Georgian College president and chief executive officer, as well as local and provincial dignitaries, representatives from Transport Canada, the marine industry and Georgian College gathered at the Owen Sound Campus of Georgian College to mark the official opening of the new Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre.

“The Government of Canada is delivering real results for Canadians and the marine industry,” said Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, on behalf of John Baird, Canada’s Minister of Transport. “The Government of Canada has contributed over $1.4 million and has transferred two of its marine simulators to contribute to the modernization of this marine simulation and research centre.”

The $8-million centre is the first of its kind in the country. It includes four state-of-the-art simulators of ship bridges and engine rooms with computer generation and projection, and a world-class full mission ship simulator, which features a 360-degree view of harbours and waterways around the world.

The Province of Ontario contributed $3.75 million to the project. “By investing in a first-class, accredited marine simulation and research centre in Owen Sound, the province is helping strengthen the marine industry and providing benefits to Ontarians now and in the future,” said Ontario Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield.

The City of Owen Sound, marine industry partners and generous private donors to the Georgian College Power of Education fundraising campaign provided additional funding to this new marine simulation and research centre.

“We are thrilled to open this state-of-the-art centre,” said Brian Tamblyn, president and chief executive officer of Georgian College. “This facility allows the college and the marine industry at large to keep up with the demand for highly trained marine professionals. With this facility, we can address the educational needs of an industry that contributes to our economy and quality of life. Previously, mariners had to travel out of Canada for some of this specialized training.”

Global marine traffic is expected to triple in the next 20 years, at the same time as a worldwide shortage of ship’s officers and seafarers is forecast. In the Great Lakes marine transportation industry alone, three-quarters of employees are set to retire in the near future, creating an estimated 1,500 job vacancies in Ontario.

Georgian College offers three-year co-op programs in marine engineering technology and marine navigation technology. Each program has been planned in cooperation with Transport Canada and marine industry partners.

GEORGIAN COLLEGE OPENS CANADA’S MOST ADVANCED MARINE SIMULATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE

Photo info: Representatives from the federal and provincial governments, Georgian College, as well as local and provincial dignitaries and members of the marine industry gathered Nov. 21 at the Owen Sound Campus of Georgian College to mark the official opening of the new $8-million Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre. From left: Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO, Georgian College; Ontario Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield; Ruth Lovell Stanners, mayor, City of Owen Sound; and Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

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Contact:

Sharon Burkhart

Manager, Corporate Communications

Georgian College

705-728-1968, ext. 1043