Government of Alberta cabinet minister tours Automotive Centre of Excellence during UOIT visit
Alberta seeking innovative solutions to environmental challenges
September 22, 2010
OSHAWA, ON - Alberta is looking to Durham Region and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) for creative ideas and solutions to help the province's energy sector meet the challenges being faced with oil sands development.
During a tour of Durham Region to learn more about innovative companies with energy and environmental expertise, the Honourable Iris Evans, Alberta Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations also paid a visit to the new General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) located at UOIT. A networking reception was held, inside ACE, immediately following the tour where local business leaders, UOIT researchers and Durham Region officials met with Minister Evans and the Alberta delegation."The oil sands are Alberta's resource but after visiting Ontario and talking with business and community leaders, it is clear they are truly Canada's opportunity," said Minister Evans. "I hope we can build on the strong linkages that were made within the Durham Region so Albertans and Ontarians can continue to benefit from oil sands development."
"Our major guiding principles at UOIT include advancing the highest quality of research and to contribute to the advancement of Ontario and Canada in a global context," said Dr. Ron Bordessa, president, UOIT. "We are delighted that Minister Evans has included UOIT in her networking efforts with Ontario on behalf of the Alberta government. Our university hopes to play an innovative role in that process going forward."
In addition to looking for innovative solutions, Alberta hopes to develop strategic partnerships with Ontario businesses and universities and foster enhanced collaboration between both provinces. Over the next 25 years, Alberta's oil sands will generate more than 812,000 person years of work for Ontarians (source: Canadian Energy Research Institute, Impacts of Canadian Oil Sands Development on the U.S. Economy, October 2009).
ACE is the first research, development and innovation centre of its kind in Canada, and in many respects the world. Located on UOIT's north Oshawa campus, ACE is a commercial test facility, and will soon be available to rent by those that have a need for its unique capabilities including, manufacturers of all descriptions, start-up companies and researchers in Canada and around the globe. ACE is a flexible, dynamic and secure one-stop-shop with a full range of testing facilities, educational and research labs, and offices for faculty, academic and industry visitors. Commissioning of the various test chambers housed within ACE will take place this fall and customers will begin using the facility early in 2011.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca
