Having retired from Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, after years of impactful service, at all levels of the education sector, David’s work benefitted both Sault College and Algoma University, as well as both local school boards. As an educator who completed graduate academic training, he worked for several area school boards early in his career and pursued his passion helping young people succeed. David taught at Central Algoma Secondary School and at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School.
At Sault College in the roles of Dean and subsequently President, David’s drive to see the college succeed was unmistakeable. As Dean he led departments such as Aviation, Business, Skilled Trades, Natural Environment, and Culinary. He forged close relationships with community partners and governmental partners such as, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security.
While serving as Sault Ste. Marie’s Provincial Member of Parliament his efforts in supporting the education sector resulted in a level of provincial resources not seen in the community in many decades. He brought approximately $70 million in provincial funding to support new infrastructure, renovations, equipment, program development and jobs at Sault College. In fact, David secured funding for the new Academic Building, the IE3 Building, the Health and Wellness Centre, the Common Link and the new Aviation Hangar at the Sault airport.
With respect to Algoma University, David led the independence initiative and convinced the provincial government to grant Algoma University College an independent charter from Laurentian University. In 2008, Bill 80 was passed in the Ontario Legislature establishing Algoma University. Local autonomy for the university has created new opportunities and the ability to move forward in ways not previously thought possible. The university’s special mission, infusing indigenous cross-cultural learning and teaching is at the core of its vision. In support of growth and expansion at Algoma University, David brought approximately $30 million in provincial funding for many initiatives including securing funding for the Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre, the 10,000 sq ft expansion and modernization of the George Leach Centre, the Invasive Species Research Chair, the Digital Games Business Incubator and Computer Gaming Technology Centre, as well as for other facility improvements and to expand academic programming.
David also championed new elementary and secondary school projects in his community and successfully delivered well over $100 million in provincial funding to build two new secondary schools, two new expanded elementary schools and a new k-12 school. The renewal of educational infrastructure in Sault Ste. Marie enhanced the quality of learning for thousands of students. David Orazietti’s positive impact on the education sector in Sault Ste. Marie has been remarkable. More recently, he was recognized with the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Medal of Merit, the city’s highest honour, for outstanding community service and with an Honorary Award from Algoma University.