TIMMINS, ON: Northern College is proud to announce that it will be joining numerous other Canadian post-secondary institutions in committing to the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) define a linear path and blueprint for shared peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. The 17 goals include eliminating poverty and hunger, promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing quality education, creating sustainable communities, encouraging responsible consumption and climate action, to name a few.

“As educators, we provide knowledge and promote understanding about creating a better world, which is our vision as an institution, and we ask our students to do the same as they project their ambitions, wants and goals into the future,” stated Dr. Audrey J. Penner, Northern College President & CEO. “We ask our students to do this as we take the necessary steps to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to provide a bright future for them to inherit.”

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has committed to integrating these goals into the daily operation of its member institutions, including it in the nationwide organization’s strategic plan. As of 2021, 33 Canadian post-secondary institutions, including Northern, have signed the pledge

“This movement is worldwide, and we are pleased to be playing a role in it,” stated Susan Hunter, Chief Cultural Officer at Northern. “The goals outlined are at once straightforward and transformational. We know that change always starts small and we’re looking forward to beginning a sustainable journey, building upon what we’ve already accomplished.”

Northern already offers several programs specifically designed to focus on the future of industry and environmental needs, including those that focus on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV’s), Wastewater Treatment, Biomass Heating, as well as many traditional programs that incorporate sustainable development principles into the curriculum. Programs like these equip graduates with the skills they need to address issues that continue to shape and inform the world.

“As we continue to develop programming, we keep an eye on industry needs, trends and do our best to forecast and tailor our offerings to not only provide students with the skills they need to create fulfilling and worthwhile careers, but to also ensure that industry has access to highly skilled talent to do this important work,” stated Aaron Klooster, Vice President of Academic and Student Success at Northern.

“This new commitment to sustainability opens even more doors for potential programming and career pathways for our students. Creating a brighter future starts here in the lessons we teach – the possibilities are then for our graduates to embrace as they move forward looking at innovative approaches to apply in their discoveries, research and applications.”

“We have to show our students, our communities and the wider world that what we teach and how we lead takes these commitments and makes them real,” added Klooster. “The signing of this pledge also makes us accountable for what we say we will do so that the future looks brighter for generations to come.”

For more information on Sustainable Development Goals, please visit: https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/policyfocus/sdg/