VIU and Nanaimo Port Authority Collaborate to Support Prosperous Community

Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Nanaimo Port Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration between the organizations in order to support the educational, social, environmental and economical prosperity of the region.

The MOU, signed on June 25, 2015, will strengthen the partnership between the two organizations by outlining key objectives for collaboration.

“VIU is focused on fostering and creating prosperous and sustainable communities in our region. To do this we must build strong community partnerships, as reflected in the MOU with the Nanaimo Port Authority,” said VIU’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Ralph Nilson. “I’d like to thank the Port Authority for their leadership and I look forward to working with them on new initiatives that will allow us to continue to build a strong and prosperous region.”

The objectives outlined in the MOU include developing opportunities for educational and research activities to create enhanced learning opportunities for VIU’s students as well as joint initiatives the organizations can work on in order to enhance the sustainability of the marine environment.

"The MOU with Vancouver Island University provides us a key community partner in the development of the economy and environmental prosperity for Vancouver Island,” states Bernie A. Dumas, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. “This agreement also reflects our continued relationship with VIU, an organization that shares the Nanaimo Port Authority’s same vision and respect for our Island – the University is a special partner and mentor for success."

The MOU is also a reflection of the continued focus of the two organizations on building and strengthening the existing partnership between the Team Nanaimo participants, which include Vancouver Island University, the Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airport, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, as well as support from the City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.