April 17, 2018
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON — Canopy Growth Corporation (“Canopy Growth”) or (“the Company”) (TSX: WEED) and Niagara College (“the College”) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to create new experience-based learning opportunities for college students and graduates. This valuable partnership will also support the increased workforce demand at Canopy Growth facilities across Canada and generate joint research and community engagement opportunities for the Niagara region, an area the Company has proudly called home since June 2014.
Canopy Growth and Niagara College will work together to foster learning in this rapidly growing industry while also supporting graduates searching for job opportunities. Internship and co-op opportunities will be available for students in the College’s Commercial Cannabis Production, Horticultural Technician, Greenhouse Technician and Business programs, particularly at the Tweed Farms facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with additional placement opportunities available at Canopy Growth’s 13 other facilities across the country. Tweed Farms is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canopy Growth and was the first greenhouse licensed in the sector under the MMPR/ACMPR.
This partnership opens the door to applied research projects in business operations, plant sciences and greenhouse technology that will further the mission of both organizations. Canopy Growth and the College will also seek joint opportunities to educate the Niagara community on the emerging cannabis industry through participation in community events and consultations.
“We’re proud to partner with such a progressive institution like Niagara College, who are leading the way in preparing their students for success in an rapidly expanding industry and build on the support the region has demonstrated since the time we acquired the site in 2014,” said Mark Zekulin, President, Canopy Growth. “As we continue our growth, it’s essential to find candidates and employees with industry-specific knowledge. We look forward to working with Niagara College to educate and invest in our future workforce as we build and define this exciting new industry.”
In September 2018, Niagara College will launch its Commercial Cannabis Production Graduate Certificate Program, Canada’s first post-secondary credential in the production of commercial cannabis. Classes will be held at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus in a state-of-the art, fully secure facility. Students will be trained in the cultivation and practices of cannabis production and will also possess the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex regulatory framework that governs the industry in Canada.
“Niagara College prides itself on strong industry partnerships that allow us to offer our students exceptional hands-on learning opportunities. As an educational leader, we are always looking at emerging industries such as commercial cannabis production. We are expanding on our industry relationships to support new education and applied research opportunities across this rapidly growing industry.” said Dan Patterson, President, Niagara College. “Partnering with a world-leading organization like Canopy Growth will open up new career and development opportunities for our students and graduates and give them a head start in this very competitive market.”
This announcement is timely as expansion efforts are well underway at Tweed Farms to bring the site from 350,000 sq. ft. to approximately 1,000,000 sq. ft. by renovating an existing 458,000 sq. ft. greenhouse on the adjacent property and building a brand new 212,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art greenhouse which has already been erected.
The rapid expansion of production space speaks to the promise of this industry and to Canopy Growth Corporation’s commitment to the Niagara region.
The recently signed MOU will be in effect for two years and is not legally binding on either partner.
Here’s to Future (Educational) Growth.
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