On July 25, Canada’s premiers, along with representatives from government, business and the media, visited Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus for the Council of the Federation’s Opening Reception.
Guests of the reception got a taste of NC’s unique approach to food, wine and beer education. They had an opportunity to sample fresh regional cuisine and the College’s award-winning wines and beers – as well as a ‘Canada’s Premier Beer’ specially crafted for the event containing ingredients from each Canadian province and territory – all prepared by students and faculty at NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute.
“It was an honour to welcome the Council of the Federation and their guests to our College and introduce them to our unique brand of applied education,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “This event was an extraordinary opportunity for the College to showcase the talents of NC’s students, staff and faculty.”
Students were involved the preparation of local cuisine served at the event, including products from the CFWI’s own student vegetable garden, as well as production of NC wine and beer made on campus that were served alongside an array of Ontario wines and beers. Students from the College’s Horticulture and Landscaping programs were also applauded for the design and maintenance of the meticulous campus grounds.
“I’m proud of all our students have accomplished in preparation for this high-profile event,” said Patterson. “This event was a valuable learning tool for our students and a shining example of applied learning at Niagara College which, I believe, is truly unmatched.”
Guests also had the opportunity to sample two new products developed by Niagara Research, Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division, with local industry partners. Student research assistants were serving a 0.0 per cent lager developed in partnership with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Virgin Drinks, as well as a botanical beverage developed in partnership with neob (Niagara Essential Oils and Blends).
In addition to Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, who spoke at the event, premiers in attendance included David Alward (New Brunswick), Darrell Dexter (Nova Scotia), Bob McLeod (Northwest Territories), Eva Aariak (Nunavut), Robert Ghiz (Prince Edward Island), Pauline Marois (Quebec), Brad Wall (Saskatchewan), Alison Redford (Alberta), Christy Clark (British Columbia), Greg Selinger (Manitoba), and Darrell Pasloski (Yukon).
The Canadian Food and Wine Institute, located on Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, is the College’s centre for food wine and beer education. It is home to Benchmark, the college’s teaching restaurant, as well as the Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery.
Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visitniagararesearch.ca
Pictured above: Select outstanding Niagara College graduates who exemplify success in applied learning were invited to the July 24 event to meet the premiers. Pictured with premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne (second from right) are Stephanie Bucknall (Welding Technician) Gavin Robertson (Winery and Viticulture), Mark Murphy (Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management), and Megan Proper (Culinary Management). Photo by Queen’s Printer of Ontario.
