The cheque is for $400 thousand dollars, but the University of Northern B.C. is hoping it will grow.

The funding from the Federal Government is meant to be used for a collaborative rural health effort which links UNBC with the University of Saskatchewan, Lakehead University , The Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Together, the four universities will take advantage of their strengths and will share those strengths through special programs, courses and educational opportunities. All with a focus of improving the well being of all who live in rural settings.

(At right,  Dean Jim Randall, UNBC President Don Cozzetto accept Cheque from MP Dick Harris)

UNBC’s Dean of the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences, Jim Randall, says the four Universities can share those strengths “It could be that rural communities could need some extra information on nutritional problems and it could be that we, as UNBC, might be able to provide a course both face to face, where you bring people in for a weekend or a week to find out more about nutrition and then have them go back and finish other courses through video conferencing or the internet to gain greater knowledge and apply that.”

Randall believes small investments, can bring about fundamental change “There are four keys” says Randall,

1. Cooperation: Universities have to work together so students can mix and match programs,
2. Flexibility: training doesn’t have to be a standard model
3. Assisting: Helping communities identify the type of programs they need
4. Little effort can bring about Big Change. In some communities, the biggest change may come as a result of increasing knowledge.

Randall says the first courses will likely be offered in the spring of 2008. A steering committee will determine how the money will be distributed .

Randall says while this year the program is being funded by the Federal Government, it is hoped it will be self sufficient  through tuition and enrolment fees.