Harper Government Announces Investment in Mining Engineering Technology Program

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire -02/10/12)- The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal support for specialized equipment for the new Mining Engineering Technology program at

the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST).

She was joined by SIAST Dean of Technology, Jamie Hilts, at the Saskatchewan Mining Association's 46th Annual General Meeting to announce this $500,000 investment.

"Our Government's top priority remains the economy and job creation," said Minister Yelich. "That is why we are proud to invest in equipment for the new Mining Engineering Technology program at SIAST, which will create jobs in the rapidly-growing mining industry."

The program is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan and is designed to produce industry-ready engineering technologists who are prepared to handle the unique challenges found in Saskatchewan mines. This new program will help address a shortage of engineering technologists in the Saskatchewan mining industry.

"Several SIAST technology and trades programs support the mining industry, but this new program is the first dedicated exclusively to the sector," says Jamie Hilts, SIAST's Dean of Technology. "The funding announced today will go a long way towards ensuring students learn on the type of equipment they'll use when they launch their careers with the mining industry."

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West, and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

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Authors: mining - Yahoo! News Search Results