Investing in MacEwan and downtown revitalization.
Episode Stats
Words per minute
102.76319
Harmful content
Hate speech
1
sentences flagged
Summary
Dr. Craig Monk, Provost and Vice President Academic at McEwen University, and the Honourable Danielle Smith, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister of Children's and Family Services, mark the announcement that pre-construction work on the University's new School of Business building is complete and on track to get shovels in the ground early in 2024.
Transcript
00:09:30.000
Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Craig Monk, Provost and Vice President Academic at McEwen University, and I'll be your MC for today's announcement.
00:09:44.020
I'm so pleased to welcome you here, a fitting place, we believe, to talk about important steps.
00:09:51.420
My name is Dr. Craig Monk, Provost and Vice President Academic at McEwen University, and I'll be your MC for today's announcement.
00:09:58.480
I'm so pleased to welcome you here, a fitting place, we believe, to talk about important
00:10:04.720
standards of Edmonton's downtown and to the economic prosperity of our community.
00:10:10.180
It's a topic we're passionate about here at McEwen.
00:10:16.680
This institution is embedded and invested in the city center, grounded in the history
00:10:21.740
of the old rail yards on which our campus stands, and committed to the role we play
00:10:27.100
in the future of Ward O'Daymon. Honouring our place in O'Daymon, something stamped throughout
00:10:32.780
our strategic vision, means a great deal to me personally. So with that, I'd like to begin our
00:10:38.860
time together in a good way by acknowledging that the land on which we gather in Treaty 6 territory
00:10:44.260
is the traditional gathering place for many Indigenous people. We honour and respect the
00:10:50.120
history, languages, ceremonies, and culture of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit called this
00:10:56.520
territory home. The First Peoples' connection to the land teaches us about
00:11:00.720
our inherent responsibility to protect and respect Mother Earth. With this
00:11:05.220
acknowledgement, we honor the ancestors and children who've been buried here,
00:11:08.400
missing and murdered indigenous women and men, and the process of ongoing
00:11:12.600
collective healing for all human beings. We are reminded that we're all treaty
00:11:17.700
people and of the responsibility we have to one another. I think you'll find that
00:11:22.920
place is a thread that weaves itself through the exciting news we have to share today we are
00:11:29.000
thrilled to announce that pre-construction work on the university's new school of business building
00:11:33.640
is complete and that we're on track to get shovels in the ground early in 2024 this yes absolutely
00:11:46.440
those applause that wasn't just about the traffic lessening on the back of the building
00:11:50.680
This beautiful addition to our campus and to Edmonton's skyline is made possible thanks to the Government of Alberta's significant financial contribution.
00:12:00.680
On that note, it brings me great pleasure to introduce the Honourable Danielle Smith, MLA, Premier of Alberta.
00:12:15.680
I believe you'd expect me to say more than that.
00:12:19.680
Sworn in as Alberta's 19th Premier on October 11, 2022, she represents the
00:12:25.360
riding of Brooks Medicine Hat. A strong supporter of post-secondary education,
00:12:29.460
Premier Smith holds degrees in both economics and English from the
00:12:33.160
University of Calgary. In my experience, Premier, those disciplines make a
00:12:37.020
powerful combination. As an institution that uses scholarship to tackle many of
00:12:42.480
the same issues with which the government wrestles, McEwen University
00:12:45.960
He is honored to welcome Premier Smith to our campus today.
00:13:05.920
I see my Minister of Children's and Family Services,
00:13:18.420
to mark this exciting milestone at McEwen University.
00:13:24.560
like the McEwen School of Business move forward.
00:13:27.260
And while there is still a lot to do on the ground,
00:13:30.900
I want to congratulate McEwen for their ongoing work
00:13:52.160
But once this wonderfully unique city center campus
00:14:02.760
Today, McEwen brings 20,000 people downtown every day.
00:14:06.520
That's a quarter of Edmonton's daytime downtown population.
00:14:10.480
McEwen students, faculty and staff interact with the public
00:14:13.900
to create a lively social and cultural ecosystem
00:14:19.700
And of course, McEwen delivers creative, innovative
00:14:24.480
to developing needed skills and talent in our workforce,
00:14:27.580
which are integral to Alberta's economic future.
00:14:34.460
and with a vision to grow to 30,000 students by 2030,
00:14:40.220
Earlier this year, Alberta's government announced its investment of $125 million over four years in the new McEwen School of Business.
00:14:48.260
Now, as 2023 comes to a close, the pre-construction phase is complete, and as you just heard, everything is on track for the new School of Business to break ground in 2024.
00:14:58.840
Downtown recovery and revitalization of Edmonton is a priority, and we have made significant investments in safety and security,
00:15:05.720
growing shelter spaces, supporting the Edmonton police and in their human-centered engagement
00:15:11.860
and liaison partnership teams and other important measures. But just as important as targeted
00:15:16.780
initiatives like these is investment in projects that bring people and vitality and energy into
00:15:24.600
downtown Edmonton. It's also incredibly important that we support projects that address the
00:15:29.380
challenges Albertans face as we strive to ensure prosperity for all our citizens. And that's why
00:15:34.400
this investment is so important. This project helps to send the message that Alberta isn't just
00:15:39.580
open for business. It is by far the best place to study and create and do business. This new
00:15:45.380
facility will provide vital resources of talent and vision that will allow Alberta job creators
00:15:50.540
to grow our economy. And I know that through our partnership with McEwen, as well as with all of
00:15:55.920
our post-secondary institutions, we will continue building a strong future for Albertans, one that
00:16:03.920
I'm looking forward to seeing the ongoing progress on the new
00:16:06.800
School of Business and how it helps to reinvigorate downtown Edmonton
00:16:10.720
the city and the Capital Region as a whole. Thank you so much and you'll hear
00:16:24.560
Thank you Premier. I'd now like to welcome the Honorable Rajan Zani,
00:16:38.820
and Multiculturalism, the Minister of Transportation,
00:16:42.160
and the Minister of Community and Social Services.
00:16:45.000
First elected in 2019, Minister Sawney has served
00:16:48.280
as the Member for Calgary Northwest since May 2023.
00:16:56.680
political science as well as an MBA. Those are some great academic disciplines as well, Minister.
00:17:02.280
Minister Sani is dedicated to growing post-secondary participation in Alberta
00:17:06.920
and building the province's future workforce. Welcome to McEwen University Minister.
00:17:26.140
Thank you, Premier, for your leadership and being such a great and strong champion for
00:17:32.480
It is such a pleasure to be here at McEwen today in the heart of Edmonton's downtown.
00:17:38.320
As Premier Smith mentioned, McEwen University has been a major presence in downtown Edmonton
00:17:47.080
McEwen is not just a significant economic driver in Edmonton, it's a powerful symbol
00:17:53.020
of the vitality and importance of our post-secondary education system for the whole province.
00:17:59.600
Alberta's government wants to see our economy grow, diversify, and fulfil its amazing potential
00:18:13.700
Our government's contribution to the new school of business
00:18:26.580
We are investing in the skills our province needs
00:18:33.460
Like McEwen, we realize that if we want to increase student opportunities,
00:18:38.340
spark creativity and innovation, and foster entrepreneurial energy,
00:18:43.660
we need spaces that inspire more students and inspire students more.
00:18:49.660
I will let the experts speak about the details of the building,
00:18:56.560
But from my standpoint, I can see that the new McEwen School of Business
00:19:00.560
will not just meet the need for more learning space,
00:19:11.000
we're helping McEwen to build Alberta's prosperity
00:19:16.840
Thank you, McEwen's board, administration and faculty,
00:19:20.680
and of course, the students and the fundraising cabinet,
00:19:24.780
donors, business leaders and community representatives
00:19:28.240
for sharing your enthusiasm and vision with us today and for being here today.
00:19:33.900
And thank you again to MacEwan students, the lifeblood of this institution, for the inspiration
00:19:40.240
you provide every day and the promise you offer to the future of our province.
00:19:45.780
Thank you once again to everybody for being here today.
00:20:00.000
We're grateful for the government's support of McEwen and our new building.
00:20:03.260
This support recognizes the impact that McEwen has on the province, the capital region and
00:20:10.660
Five million dollars of capital funding this fiscal year is greatly appreciated.
00:20:14.440
project is shovel ready. I'd now like to introduce Anne Stevenson of Ward O'Dayman,
00:20:19.960
Councillor with the City of Edmonton. Welcome back to McEwen University, Councillor.
00:20:31.160
Hello and good afternoon. My name is Anne Stevenson. I have the honour of representing
00:20:35.720
Ward O'Dayman on Edmonton City Council and I'm delighted to be joined today by my colleague
00:20:41.240
Councillor Tim Cartmell, and on behalf of Mayor Sohi and all my colleagues, so happy to be here
00:20:46.920
to share in this special day. McEwen is a huge part of the heart of our city. The nearly 20,000
00:20:55.880
current students that add so much vibrancy and culture to our downtown and it's thrilling to
00:21:01.480
picture another 10,000 joining by 2030. The new School of Business building is a huge part
00:21:08.040
of that effort and attracting and retaining talent and vibrancy in our core i'm so grateful
00:21:14.520
to the province for this investment in the heart of our city and for all the other support you've
00:21:19.000
provided to support edmonton's downtown rebound i'm also so grateful for mcewen staff the board
00:21:26.280
volunteers fundraiser donors everyone who's making this possible this will have a profound
00:21:32.120
and lasting impact not only on the downtown but our city as a whole so thank you again
00:21:36.680
and congratulations. Thank You Councillor Stevenson. Hearing from our elected officials
00:21:49.100
today about the importance of McEwen to the province and the city reinforces how special
00:21:54.500
is McEwen University and the critical role it plays. I know that Carolyn Graham, Chair of McEwen's
00:22:00.440
Board of Governors is deeply committed to ensuring that we reach our full potential in delivering on
00:22:05.600
on this critical role. Now in her second term as McEwen University's board chair, she has overseen
00:22:11.200
incredible milestones for the institution, including installing its first chancellor,
00:22:16.080
Dr. Tony Fields, and approving our strategic vision, teaching greatness. I'd like to welcome
00:22:21.920
our board chair to the podium. Thank you, Dr. Monk, and good afternoon everyone.
00:22:33.840
My deepest gratitude to Premier Smith, Minister Sani, Councillor Stevenson and each of you
00:22:42.600
I can't tell you how meaningful it is to look out and see business leaders, community leaders,
00:22:48.600
students, alumni, faculty, staff and representatives of government who join us today.
00:22:56.240
Seeing all of you together reinforces McEwen's unique position in the centre of downtown in
00:23:01.600
in bringing business and academia together with our city and our province.
00:23:06.900
As Alberta's premier undergraduate university, we are laser-focused on teaching greatness.
00:23:13.100
We're committed to creating the opportunities and conditions necessary for our province's
00:23:17.960
young professionals, leaders, innovators, and visionaries to succeed.
00:23:23.640
We focus on being great educators so that our graduates can be great community leaders.
00:23:29.720
Growing the number of students we educate is critical to serving the Capital Region.
00:23:35.000
Enrollment at McEwen, as you've heard, is at an all-time high, 19,200 students this
00:23:40.000
year with a target to reach 30,000 students by 2030.
00:23:44.680
We're growing because we strike a perfect balance.
00:23:48.760
McEwen is big enough to offer a range of in-demand programs and a wealth of work-integrated learning
00:24:00.020
We're also small enough to really get to know our students.
00:24:03.840
Our faculty make connections and inspire students
00:24:10.820
We believe that education should be transformative
00:24:16.360
That's why more and more students are choosing McEwen.
00:24:19.720
We know we need to be creative to meet this growing demand,
00:24:28.340
This meets the needs of students and is efficient.
00:24:32.860
I'm proud that McEwen has a strong value proposition
00:24:37.820
and one of the lowest costs per student in the province.
00:24:41.260
But even so, our campus is bursting at the seams.
00:24:44.780
And that's why I'm thrilled that you joined us today
00:24:46.900
to hear an update on our new School of Business building.
00:24:50.220
As you've heard, our pre-construction work is complete
00:24:53.380
and construction will begin in the early spring.
00:24:56.900
We look forward to welcoming 7,500 more students
00:25:12.940
Edmontonians who use transit, eat at downtown restaurants,
00:25:16.900
attend community events, and call downtown home.
00:25:25.940
I've seen the difference that McEwen people
0.99
00:25:29.480
and I wholeheartedly believe in this new building
00:25:36.620
to make a lead gift to our fundraising campaign.
00:25:40.060
I'm confident that others who hear the McEwen story
00:25:43.000
and see the contributions that this institution
00:25:45.240
make to our city and province over the coming years will join me in supporting this campaign.
00:25:51.400
None of this would be possible without the generous investment of the Government of Alberta,
00:25:56.920
the fundraising efforts of our phenomenal McEwen Means Business Campaign Cabinet,
00:26:02.360
and the commitment of community leaders who share our dedication to ensuring this university,
00:26:07.800
this community, this city, and this province continues to thrive. I'd now like to invite
00:26:14.120
rob sidle to the podium to provide remarks on behalf of the mcewen means business cabinet
00:26:19.160
who lead our fundraising efforts for our new school of business building thank you
00:26:31.000
well good afternoon everybody thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy days to be
00:26:36.200
here it's a pleasure to be here joined by premier smith mr sawney uh councillor stevenson and so
00:26:43.880
many others that are invested in the success of mcewen and our city as we have many um previous
00:26:51.720
board members here and i'm joined by john day my co-chair in the mcewen means business campaign john
00:26:57.960
and i were approached to assist with the um the fundraising initiative of course we responded
00:27:04.120
quickly as everybody who's been associated with mcewen regularly does we're also joined by many
00:27:11.080
of our cabinet members today are mccune means business cabinet members and appreciate their
00:27:17.480
support i'd like to acknowledge the membership of the cabinet enzo baricello lisa burroldi
00:27:25.400
tracy bernard nicole bork boucher chad brennan sign chatty daryl hollywell janet riapel
00:27:35.480
mike saunders and shauna vocal thank you for your contributions
00:27:47.240
a city's heartbeat is its downtown and our cabinet and the members of mckeon know full well that
00:27:53.880
mckeon is playing a critical role in the success of not only the education
00:27:59.240
role and responsibility it has but also building downtown edmonton downtown needs a new building
00:28:05.080
and bringing 7 500 to 10 000 new students will obviously increase and improve the vibrancy of
00:28:12.040
the core which will help with safety and further investment and support economic growth where mckeon
00:28:18.440
is located in the heart of downtown matters it's the confidence and confluence of all relations
00:28:25.960
it's a different university and something that is so happily enjoyed and needed in this city
00:28:31.880
john har mckeon's first president after whom the library we stand in his name said that the city
00:28:38.840
is mckeon's campus based on mckeon's location and mentality mckeon's a convener of people
00:28:46.120
we've heard that it brings business leaders community builders elected officials students
00:28:52.520
and faculty and our partners in government together to create new ideas new leaders and to
00:29:00.760
address real world problems as we look around the room today we'll see community leaders business
00:29:06.920
leaders leading faculty members and members of all order of government who've joined here today
00:29:13.080
committed to build a brighter future and a more prosperous future as you can imagine most cities
00:29:19.160
in canada and around the world would be envious of having a downtown university we have that in
00:29:24.200
edmonton and it's critical to our vibrancy mckeon as we know is shaping our leaders of the future
00:29:30.920
graduates who as the premier said will contribute to a bright future and bring promise to not only
00:29:37.000
edmonton alberta but the entirety of the world some of our graduates remain in the mix to borrow
00:29:42.920
the words of our mckeon president annette trimby we have a phenomenally high retention rate for
00:29:48.840
graduates of mckeon to continue in the community and to contribute to the prosperity building a
00:29:54.760
new school of business that will produce even more of these graduates is only possible because of the
00:29:59.960
leadership of premier smith and minister sawny we want to thank them for that based on their
00:30:05.240
commitment of 125 million dollars our mckeon means business cabinet have committed to raising 25
00:30:12.200
million dollars back in april when we kicked off the campaign with the generous donation
00:30:17.480
from our board chair carolyn graham thank you carolyn for that
00:30:21.560
your dedication and enthusiasm of the cabinet is much appreciated and we built we believe it's
00:30:26.280
contagious i do want to thank and acknowledge the progress we've made with the generous
00:30:31.560
contributions of the boucher group the buchanan family foundation capital power elliston construction
00:30:40.600
stew gillespie dr richard perlow and his wife laurie and we're continuing to be engaged in
00:30:47.960
our efforts to raise funds to complete this project i know i speak on behalf of our entire
00:30:53.480
mccune means business cabinet to thank you again as we look forward to the spring groundbreaking
00:30:59.720
of the new building. Thank you so much for being here today. Really appreciate it.
00:31:12.920
Thank you, everyone. I'd like to thank Premier Smith, Minister Sawney,
00:31:16.680
Councillor Stevenson, Carolyn Graham, and Robert Seidel, members of our McEwen Means Business
00:31:22.920
Campaign Cabinet, and to all of you for joining us today. It's been my great privilege to have
00:31:28.440
been a professor in alberta universities for more than 25 years and a gathering like this one today
00:31:34.120
of friends old and new is a real sector highlight i can't emphasize how much it means to us to this
00:31:40.680
university to have the support of government and of the community as we grow it really is
00:31:46.200
an exciting time to be at mcewen we like to say that alberta needs more mcewen well you'll soon
00:31:52.760
see more of us on the corner of 109 and 105. thank you everyone