Rosemère, January 29, 2026 – The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) is proud to announce the official launch of a new Simulation Mannequin Laboratory at its Laval vocational training centre, CDC Pont‑Viau. This important investment will enhance health care training for students.

The lab is equipped with four state-of-the-art simulation mannequins representing every stage of life: an adult, a senior, a child, and a newborn. These high-tech mannequins respond like real patients. They can breathe, speak, show vital signs, and react to care, allowing students to practice real‑life medical situations in a safe and controlled environment.

Students in health programs such as the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Personal Support Worker programs can now practice essential skills including taking vital signs, starting IVs, drawing blood, and responding to simulated medical situations without any risk to real patients.

Beyond hands-on practice, the simulation lab helps students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. It encourages them to ask questions, try solutions, and learn from mistakes. This approach supports a culture of psychological safety and builds confidence before entering real medical settings.

“This new lab aligns with our Commitment-to-Success Plan by strengthening learning environments that support student success,” said James Di Sano, Chairperson of the SWLSB. “It reflects the dedication of the CDC Pont‑Viau team and their focus on preparing students for meaningful careers in health care. On behalf of the Council of Commissioners, I thank everyone who contributed to this important project.”

The total investment of more than $175,000 will benefit approximately 80 vocational training students each year. The project was funded through a grant measure from the Ministère de l’Éducation, with additional support from the Canada‑Québec Agreement. These funds aim to improve training quality and better align vocational education with labour market needs.

With this new lab, CDC Pont‑Viau continues to modernize vocational training and provide students with meaningful, hands‑on learning experiences that prepare them for real careers in health care.

With a workforce of more than 2,000 employees, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board is the third‑largest English school board in the Province of Québec. Its territory comprises the administrative regions of Laval, Laurentides, and Lanaudière. The school board provides preschool, elementary, secondary, and adult education, together with vocational training services to over 14,000 students in 36 schools and 4 centres. It also offers business training services.

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