On November 3, Durham College (DC) welcomed a delegation of Cuban public officials including the Ambassador of Cuba to Canada, the Consul General of Cuba in Toronto and the First Secretary, Embassy of Cuba in Canada to its Whitby campus.  The tour was part of a larger visit planned by the City of Oshawa to showcase the City and broader region and further develop the relationship that exists between Cuba and Canada in the year of the 70th anniversary of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the two countries.

While on campus, delegates were welcomed by President Don Lovisa and Vice-President, Academic Elaine Popp and taken on a tour of the college’s renewable energy labs, led by Mike McKenney, a professor in the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship and Renewable Technology. The guests had the opportunity to observe the campus’ renewable energy equipment including the rooftop solar panels and wind turbines. The group also enjoyed lunch at Bistro ’67, DC’s green-certified teaching restaurant located in the Centre for Food.

“It was an honour to meet with the Ambassador and host the Cuban delegation,” said Lovisa. “We learned more about priorities for Cuba in terms of developing partnerships and economic development of the country, while also sharing the work we are doing academically in the areas of renewable energy and about how we partner with local businesses. Our impact and partnerships are broad and directly benefit our campus and communities.”

Click here for more information about DC’s renewable energy programs.