Canadian Government upgrades its simulators

Government of Canada delivers marine simulator to Nova Scotia

Ottawa March 10, 2009 - A Government of Canada initiative will allow mariners-in-training to have a better opportunity to sharpen their seafaring skills without leaving dry land. The Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced the transfer of a world-class marine training simulator to the Province of Nova Scotia, along with federal funding for the Province to modernize the simulator.

Nova Scotia Community College is the recipient of the simulator, which will contribute to the continued regulatory training and certification of Canadian seafarers at the College's Nautical Institute in Port Hawkesbury.

"Our Government is taking action to create new jobs and expand our economy by investing in this state-of-the-art marine simulator," said Minister MacKay. "Given the forecasted increase in global marine traffic and shortage of mariners, this simulator will ensure that the Nova Scotia Community College is equipped to respond to the increased Canadian and worldwide demand for qualified sailors."

"The Nautical Institute has a reputation for excellence in training mariners," said the Honorable Judy Streatch, Nova Scotia's Minister of Education. "This state-of-the-art simulator will continue to enhance that reputation and ensure that the Nautical Institute's students are well equipped for a successful career in the commercial marine and fishing industries."

"This new simulator will provide state-of-the-art training for our students by giving them the opportunity to study and learn in the same simulated engine room environment that is found on 100,000 vessels afloat today," said Joan McArthur-Blair, President of Nova Scotia Community College.

Nova Scotia is one of five provinces to receive federal funding under the $7.2-million Marine Simulators Contribution Program. This program offers financial assistance to five provinces that have Marine Training Institutes - British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Ten marine training simulators currently owned by the Government of Canada have been donated to the provinces to promote consistent training standards for seafarers, while allowing more flexibility around their use.

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