On October 3, 2022, BCIT and Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) (“Teck”) announced that Teck is contributing $5 million to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign. The donation, which represents the second-largest total contribution to the campaign to date, will support campus redevelopment and new teaching and learning innovations as well as expand the use of antimicrobial copper across BCIT’s campuses.
Of Teck’s contribution, $1.4 million was provided in capital funding to the recently completed Health Sciences Centre (HSC) which will also be home to the Teck Copper Café. The new building will be instrumental in training new healthcare professionals in BC each year.
The remainder of Teck’s donation—$3.6 million—will support the new $220 million BCIT Trades and Technology Complex. Once completed, the new complex will build capacity for hundreds of new full-time student spots annually which will help meet the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in BC over the next 10 years. The complex will feature leading-edge learning tools and revitalized spaces to foster integrated learning and simulate real-world environments.
Additionally, through Teck’s ongoing Copper and Health program partnership with BCIT, Teck has now installed 1,595 antimicrobial copper surfaces on high-touch surfaces across 11 buildings at the BCIT Burnaby campus with plans to install at the Downtown, Annacis Island, and Aerospace Technology campuses.
The installation of antimicrobial copper surfaces provides an added layer of protection for students, staff and faculty, and creates a safe environment to limit the spread of infection from communicable diseases. Copper has unique antimicrobial properties and is proven effective in eliminating up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria within two hours of contact. When installed in high-touch, high-traffic locations, antimicrobial copper can help reduce the spread of infection.
The product provided for this project, known as Copper Clean by Coptek, is manufactured in Canada.
About Teck
As one of Canada’s leading mining companies, Teck is committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, zinc, and steelmaking coal, as well as investments in energy assets. Copper, zinc and high-quality steelmaking coal are required for the transition to a low-carbon world. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
For nearly 60 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, more than 300 programs, and over 45,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact. Learn more at www.bcit.ca.
About the INSPIRE Campaign
The INSPIRE Campaign is the largest fundraising initiative in BCIT’s history. Focused on raising funds for three pillars—Access and Inclusion, Teaching and Learning Innovation, and Campus Redevelopment—the Campaign is creating a new future at BCIT as a destination for applied learning. Through INSPIRE, BCIT Foundation is helping today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders and continues to receive strong philanthropic support from industry, alumni, and individuals who recognize the importance of BCIT to the economic prosperity of BC. Learn more about the INSPIRE Campaign, including ways to join in building a strong and impactful community of philanthropy.
About Teck’s Copper & Health Program
Through its Copper & Health program, Teck has funded numerous initiatives across a range of industries and public facilities to help improve health and safety in high-traffic, high-touch areas through the installation of antimicrobial copper. Teck’s Copper & Health program has installed copper surfaces in a number of healthcare facilities, including Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital, on public transit in partnership with TransLink and Toronto Transit Commission, throughout the terminal at Vancouver International Airport, in major attractions including Royal Ontario Museum and Science World, and in schools through partnerships with BCIT, SFU, and UBC. Teck is a proud member of CHAIR Canada, the Coalition for Community and Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction (chaircoalition.org).
There is no commercial benefit to Teck from the increased use of antimicrobial copper as the amount of metal needed is very small; the goal of the program is to improve health and safety for communities.
For more information about the role of antimicrobial copper, the Copper & Health program, and other examples of copper in action, please visit copperstopsthespread.ca.
Media Contacts:
Chris Stannell
Public Relations Manager
Teck Resources Ltd.
604-699-4368
chris.stannell@teck.com
Amy Chen
Media & Communications Specialist
British Columbia Institute of Technology
778-384-7245
achen202@bcit.ca
Fraser Phillips
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategic Analysis
Teck Resources Ltd.
604-699-4621
fraser.phillips@teck.com
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Photo caption: (L-R) Lisa Chu, Dean, BCIT School of Health Sciences; Paul McCullough, Past Interim President, BCIT; Don Lindsay, Executive Vice Chair and Former President and CEO, Teck; Don Reader, Chair, BCIT Board of Governors; David Podmore, Chair, President and CEO, Concert Properties and Chair, BCIT INSPIRE Campaign; and Carla Lucero, BCIT Nursing student.