The Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development (CIIEID) is a coalition between the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and École Polytechnique de Montréal (EPM). For the launch, Institute Interim Executive Director, Bern Klein is joined in Vancouver by UBC's Vice President Research & International John Hepburn, SFU President Andrew Petter, and EPM CEO Christophe Guy.

“Nations want to develop their mineral, oil and gas resources,” says Klein, also a professor of mining engineering at UBC. “But many lack the regulatory frameworks and policy to make the most of their resources while also considering the needs of affected communities. We want them to have the capacity to use their resources to enhance livelihoods, improve dialogue and mitigate environmental harm.”

In November 2012 the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (then CIDA) announced the award of $25 million to a coalition of the three academic institutions to form the Institute. Since then, the Institute has set up operations and is connecting with partner nongovernmental organizations, governments, professional associations, and industry. It is now beginning program development.

Programming will put the Institute and its partners' knowledge and resources at the service of foreign governments and local communities. Its work will focus on four main areas: applied research, community engagement, education, and governance of natural resources.

“Over the last forty years, Polytechnique Montréal has been involved in a significant number of development programs and projects across all continents. Polytechnique is committed to the values that guide the Institute, including sensitivity to gender equity, alignment with priority needs of developing countries, and sustainability.” - Christophe Guy, Chief Executive Officer, École Polytechnique de Montréal

For more information about the Institute, visit the website at: http://ciieid.org