Canada-Quebec Agreement-Knowledge Infrastructure Program: Government Investments of More Than $1.36 Million in Cegep de Victoriaville

VICTORIAVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 10, 2011) - The Honourable Maxine Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced the completion of the infrastructure project at the Cégep de Victoriaville, which benefited from more than $1.36 million in government investments. Ms. Line Beauchamp, Quebec Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, who was unable to attend, welcomed the completion of the work. These investments enabled the realization of the following three projects:

• renovations to the building envelope and all of the windows of the nursing building—$947,604
  
  
• retrofitting the auditoriums in the main building—$171,980
  
  
• reroofing—$245,960
  
  

"These investments created jobs for people in Victoriaville at a critical time while improving the infrastructure that the Cégep de Victoriaville will need to maintain its reputation as an innovation leader," said Minister of State Bernier. "Our government's support for the knowledge economy has not only made a difference in the short term but has also set the foundation for future prosperity."

The infrastructure project was made possible by a Government of Canada investment of $682,772 and a matching contribution from the Government of Quebec and its partners.

"The Government of Quebec is pleased to have invested in improving the quality and sustainability of the facilities at the Cégep de Victoriaville," said Minister Beauchamp. "By substantially enhancing the comfort of students and staff, we have created an environment in which they can excel and innovate. This means that the Cégep will be able to effectively fulfill its important training, research and community service functions."

Mr. Vincent Guay, CEO of the Cégep de Victoriaville, concurred: "Investing in knowledge infrastructure is investing in the very future of our society."

About the Knowledge Infrastructure Program

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program aims to stimulate the Canadian economy by renewing college and university infrastructure. Federal government investments in higher learning institutions in Quebec will reach nearly $460 million by the end of the program, while those of the Government of Quebec and its partners will total $597 million. This represents a combined federal–provincial investment of more than $1 billion.

The projects include new construction as well as renovation, repair and maintenance work. Nearly 280 projects were selected in Quebec.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit its website at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home.

To learn about the status of the Plan québécois des infrastructures (Quebec infrastructure plan), visit its website at www.infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca (in French only).