Government of Canada Invests in Post-Secondary Infrastructure in Alberta

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 9, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today's $78-million investment at the University of Calgary will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action and will help create the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow.

The Government's $78 million in funding, combined with an $82-million injection from the institution, will support renovation and construction projects over the next two years. The investment will fund eight separate projects at the university.

Two of the projects, with a combined investment of nearly $34 million, will improve the environmental sustainability of research and innovation-related infrastructure and renew research spaces, benefiting both students and the faculty. Furthermore, environmental enhancements are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9,000 tonnes.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Alberta will receive over $500 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and create-the high-value, middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"By investing in capital projects at our colleges and universities, we're protecting and enhancing existing facilities and creating much-needed jobs to stimulate and grow our economy. I'm happy to see that this investment complements our government's commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning opportunities for Alberta students."

- The Honourable Marlin Schmidt, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education

"We are extremely pleased and thank the federal government for this incredible investment in eight infrastructure projects. We are also grateful for the provincial government's ongoing infrastructure support. This is truly a great day for our students, our researchers and the Alberta economy. What a fantastic way to start the school year-providing our brightest minds with the best spaces in which to learn, explore and collaborate."

- Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $225 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Alberta. The University of Calgary has been awarded $78 million for eight projects.
• The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder

Innovation Agenda backgrounder

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED