Harper Government Celebrates Economic Action Plan Investments in Canada's Knowledge Economy

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), and Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Waterloo, visited the University of Waterloo today to see the progress on the institution's new Math and Engineering buildings. This project, part of the Harper Government's investment in the renewal and expansion of laboratories, learning commons and student facilities at colleges and universities across Canada, will expand the institution's science-based facilities.

"Our government is investing in research and training facilities at campuses across the country to create jobs, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister of State Goodyear. "This investment is promoting local employment now and will provide the research infrastructure that the University of Waterloo will need for years to come."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $18.3 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, an important job creation program launched in 2009 to help respond to the global economic recession, under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The project also received a $17.8-million contribution from the Government of Ontario and $11 million from other sources.

Funding for the project will result in the construction of two new buildings, which will feature 80-seat lecture halls, classrooms, offices and research space to accommodate 35 additional faculty and 310 graduate students. The buildings' new research space will allow students to engage in innovative research focused on bioprocessing, biochemistry, green engineering and health informatics, among other areas.

"As Canada begins to emerge from the global recession, investments in state-of-the-art research labs, libraries and learning commons are essential to creating and securing valuable, skilled jobs—both now and in the future," said Mr. Braid.

"This project will support key interdisciplinary research in chemical engineering, including biochemical, biomedical tissue and cell-culture engineering, as well as new materials science," said Adel Sedra, University of Waterloo Dean of Engineering. "I am most grateful for the support received from the federal and provincial governments."

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to maintain and improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. The program is providing economic stimulus, creating jobs and generating the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure economic growth in the future.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is investing in Canada's universities and colleges to develop, attract and retain the world's best and brightest researchers. The government's actions will strengthen Canada's position as a leading destination for the world's top research talent.

For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/eng/home).

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp).