The McGuinty government is supporting Ontario’s marine transportation industry by investing in essential upgrades to the Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre in Owen Sound.
“Ontario and Canada need well-trained graduates to navigate and operate our ships,” said Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Chris Bentley. “Today’s investment creates opportunity for students interested in marine careers while securing the future viability of Ontario’s marine industry.”
The province is investing $3 million dollars to help the centre, located at Georgian College, purchase state-of-the-art visual navigation simulators, upgrade existing engineering equipment and improve distance-learning capabilities. The centre was established in 1969 and is the only accredited marine training institution in Ontario. It provides training for a variety of careers, including deck officers and engine room officers, and for shore-based jobs such as marine superintendents.
“The McGuinty government supports sustainable transportation that includes all modes of transportation to ease congestion and keep Ontario prosperous,” said Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield. “That’s why the government is providing funding to help make Georgian College's Owen Sound campus one of the best-equipped marine training facilities in Canada.”
Ontario’s busiest ports are responsible for nearly 30 per cent of Canada’s domestic marine shipments, moving close to 120 million tonnes of cargo annually. Shipping this cargo by road would require about three million truck trips annually. Investments in marine training will mean that Ontario will be better equipped to make marine transportation a more viable mode.
“These necessary upgrades allow the College and the marine industry at large to keep up with the demand for skilled marine professionals. With this funding, we can better address the educational needs of an industry that contributes greatly to our economy and quality of life,” said Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO, Georgian College.
Investments in marine transportation are a part of the McGuinty government’s strategy to build a more efficient and sustainable transportation system that includes rail, air, road, marine and public transit.