Surrey, B.C. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) on Thursday to announce the federal government's intent to support the creation of new and well-paying jobs in the emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
He was joined by Minister of Industry James Moore, Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong, and MPs Wai Young and Bob Zimmer at KPU Tech, the university's trades and technology campus.
The prime minister introduced plans to establish a tax relief program for equipment and buildings related to the LNG industry.
"Through our ambitious trade agenda, we are opening new markets for Canadian businesses and developing the infrastructure to transport Canadian products to new markets, which is essential for Canada's future prosperity and security," he said.
KPU Tech offers a variety of programming that trains students with skills both directly or indirectly applicable to the LNG industry, including pipefitting, welding and electrical. Plans to expand the university's programming to better support B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the federal government's trades agenda are currently underway.
For more information about trades and technology at KPU, visit: kpu.ca/tech.
A video of the prime minister's announcement at KPU Tech is available here. The official news release, here.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Caption: Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses a crowd gathered at KPU Tech in front of several dozen trades and technology students. More photos are available on KPU's Flickr page.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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