Statement made on 16 June 2011 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, earlier this week, the Association of Atlantic Universities released a comprehensive study called Thriving Together: Universities and Community in Atlantic Canada, which measured social and cultural contributions of universities in Atlantic Canada.
We all know that universities have an economic impact in our region. With 17 universities in Atlantic Canada, they are an important driver of economic growth and development. They contribute more than $2.6 billion directly to the gross domestic product and receive revenue of almost $2 billion. They account for more than 38,000 jobs and are sometimes the largest employer in their community. In my home province, the University of Prince Edward Island contributes $174 million to the province's GDP and employs nearly 750 full- and part-time faculty and staff.
While previous reports measured the economic impact, this one hoped to find what they called the "human meaning" of universities; how they impact the lives of the people in their communities. The report found that more than half a million people attended cultural events like theatrical or musical performances that were held on university grounds. More than 800 charitable community service projects are undertaken by people at universities, as well as 800 recreational programs and 300 community programs that provide benefits like legal and medical services.
At UPEI, between 10 and 12,000 Islanders use the facilities on campus every week. Faculty, staff and students undertake more than 200 volunteer and charitable community service initiatives every year, including the Chinook Project, which provides free veterinary care to isolated communities in the Canadian Arctic. Each summer, a team from the vet college at UPEI travels to Nunavut to provide care for dogs, like spaying, neutering or vaccinating, and to educate people in basic veterinary care.
Honourable senators, this latest study clearly shows the significant social and cultural contributions of universities to their communities. Quite literally, hundreds of thousands of Atlantic Canadians participate in programs, attend events and seek out services that are offered on the campuses of universities in our region.
I would like to commend the administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni of the universities in Atlantic Canada for their many contributions to enrich the lives of the people around them.