Minister Panda and Minister Wilson participate in a sod-turning celebration with Kainai and Red Crow Community College representatives.
The Red Crow Community College project will see construction of a new 9,888 square metre campus at Kainai in southern Alberta, replacing one destroyed by fire in 2015. The total project cost for the new college is $48 million, with $20 million being funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The remaining funding is being provided by Kainai and the Red Crow Community College.
“In these difficult times, the Government of Canada is taking action to support Alberta’s economy and strengthen its communities. Rebuilding the main campus of Red Crow Community College will provide opportunities for students to develop valuable skills and knowledge to work in key southern Alberta industries like agriculture and agri-business. Our government’s contribution of $20 million to this project demonstrates our commitment to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous-led cultural education. The Government of Canada will continue to deliver for Alberta municipalities, building on our investments since 2015 of more than $4.8 billion in more than 335 infrastructure projects across the province.”
“Construction of the new Red Crow Community College supports Alberta’s Recovery Plan by creating almost 300 local construction-related jobs which also promotes healthy economic spinoff activity throughout the area. Over the long term, the new college will benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike by providing the tailor-designed, modern learning facility and programs they need to succeed.”
“I’m thrilled funding has been approved for the Red Crow Community College rebuild. Better access to higher education for Indigenous communities is essential. Students will have the chance to study closer to home, connecting the modern with traditions passed through generations and helping keep the community and province strong through the skills they gain.”
“Education is the way forward for our people. Through our $20-million contribution to Red Crow Community College’s new campus facility, we are contributing to the positive future of our youth. On-reserve educational opportunities for students is an important factor in the economic, social and cultural well-being of our community. We are proud to play such an integral role in educating and training our people and we look forward to sharing our new facility with you once open.”
“The new campus facility will provide access to learning resources, and spaces to gather, collaborate and learn with peers, teachers, and elders. It will provide spaces that support listening, mutual respect, open discussion and relationship building. It will ground students to nature, our language, and Blackfoot culture. It will be a safe place where students can learn about themselves, their strengths, and begin to realize their hopes and dreams.”
A new campus at Red Crow Community College will provide education and training, and create a new talent pipeline for key industries in southern Alberta, such as agriculture and agri-business, to support the promotion of long-term economic development of the region. It will offer a high-quality, culturally infused, Blackfoot language-based learning environment for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
