BMO Financial Group has donated $250,000 to Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines.
“At BMO Financial Group we believe in personal growth and achievement through continuous learning and access to education,” said Jason Neal, managing director and global co-head of global metals and mining for BMO Capital Markets, in a news release. “We’re impressed with the vision of the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University, and with its focus on training the next generation of mining professionals in Canada.”
The BMO Financial Group investment will be used to support the Goodman School of Mines in its objectives, which include:
Enhancing the skills of future professionals in mineral exploration and mining, in areas such as occupational health and safety, Indigenous relations, mining management and finance;
Driving the creation of executive programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in modular, short-course or distance education formats, and other delivery mechanisms as opportunities may arise;
Formalizing new provincial, national and international alliances with other post-secondary institutions, including an International Network of Schools of Mines with Laurentian serving as a major hub;
Doubling enrolment in mining-related programs by 2020; and
Improving the university experience for students in earth sciences and engineering.
“This investment by one of the largest financial service organizations in the country is a welcome indication of support from the investment community,” said Laurentian’s fundraising campaign chair, Terry MacGibbon. “We are taking the ‘long view’ in mining education, and we are gratified by the support of partners like BMO Financial Group in this ambitious venture.”
