Cameco Corporation has made a substantial $5 million donation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, specifically earmarked for the institution's new Joseph A. Remai campus in Saskatoon. This generous gift is designed to bolster educational opportunities for students entering the high-demand mining sector, while also supporting a pioneering initiative for northern Indigenous women.
Fueling Saskatchewan's Mining Workforce
Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco, emphasized the critical need for skilled graduates to operate the company's world-class uranium mine at Cigar Lake. "They've been supplying us the talent that we need to run our operations for decades now," Gitzel stated. "We work closely with them, and the beauty is that we can tailor programs with Sask. Poly to meet our needs, which is super helpful for us."
According to Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block, Saskatchewan Polytechnic currently sends approximately 400 graduates into the mining industry each year, with more than 1,800 alumni contributing to the workforce since the late 1980s. Gitzel highlighted the growing global demand for nuclear fuel, noting that about 440 nuclear reactors are currently operational, with 70 more under construction and hundreds planned for the future. "Fuel comes from Saskatchewan, and so that means lots of mining jobs and lots of activity here for years to come," he added.
Innovative Training and Inclusivity Initiatives
A significant portion of the donation will fund a pilot industrial mechanics certificate program at the Prince Albert campus, specifically targeting northern Indigenous women. Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, explained that the program aims to "get Indigenous women interested in industrial management and mechanics programming as a career" through specialized mentorship and targeted training.
Both Gitzel and Mayor Block stressed the importance of inclusive economic growth. "Cameco wants to see more Indigenous women working in the mining industry," Gitzel noted. Block echoed this sentiment, stating that economic development must create new opportunities for Indigenous women in skilled trades.
Virtual Reality and Campus Development
The new Saskatoon campus will feature an immersive virtual reality mine to enhance safety training and technical proficiency. Students will utilize this technology to access remote locations and gain realistic experience of mine environments without physical risks.
Dr. Rosia also provided an update on the Time to Rise fundraising campaign, which has now raised $75 million toward its $100 million goal for the new campus. However, he clarified that there is currently no timeline for construction, and building has not yet commenced.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates over 5,500 students annually, with an impressive 95 percent remaining in Saskatchewan to work and contribute to the local economy. This donation from Cameco represents a significant investment in the future of both the institution and the province's vital mining industry.
