The initiative will improve the quality of health care in eastern Ontario by providing state of the art learning opportunities for current and future health care providers and will build on the College’s expertise by integrating high fidelity mannequin simulators to support nursing training and training of other health care professionals.

"I am thrilled that the Government of Canada is making this investment in St. Lawrence College, said Gord Brown, MP Leeds-Grenville, "This is an innovative project that will create highly skilled jobs and establish a centre of excellence that we can build upon for years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved."

“We appreciate the support from the Government of Canada and the Eastern Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Network Inc. The financial support we receive will allow us to provide state of the art simulators in our nursing labs at all three of our campus locations,” commented Dave Ashton, Manager, Community Outreach and Corporate Learning, St. Lawrence College.

“This project supports the creation of five high-skilled jobs in an innovative learning environment," said Christine Dukelow, Chair of the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network. "This project aligns with the EODP Collaborative Projects mandate to advance technology in a community-based project that will benefit the entire eastern Ontario region, and beyond."

The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) is a $48-million economic development initiative focused on addressing economic challenges in eastern Ontario and taking advantage of innovative opportunities in the region. The program is managed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and delivered through eastern Ontario's 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) and the Eastern Ontari Community Futures Development Corporation Network Inc. Applications are solicited by each CFDC and the Network and are assessed on their potential to stimulate local and regional economic development and create jobs.

The EODP Collaborative Projects stream, which is delivered by the Eastern Ontario CFDC Network, provides 50 percent matching funds for eligible initiatives that demonstrate broad support from the region and/or various partners, and offer sustainable, measurable, economic benefits to the regional economy.