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

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2011) - Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, was at the University of British Columbia campus in Kelowna today on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry to tour work that converted the campus's heating and cooling system to an environmentally friendly geothermal system. The project is 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.

"The economy remains our government's top priority," said Mr. Cannan. "Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are 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. This investment is promoting local employment now and will provide the research infrastructure the University of British Columbia needs for years to come."

The project received a Government of Canada investment of $1.41 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 British Columbia government contributed an additional $1.45 million.

The project allowed the buildings on the Okanagan campus to retrofit their heating and cooling systems with a geothermal system, which is among the most efficient methods of heating and cooling in the world.

"Our Okanagan campus is on track to have the largest university geoexchange system in North America," said Doug Owram, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of UBC's Okanagan campus. "Funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program has enabled UBC to become a leader in geoexchange and to significantly expand our campus in a sustainable manner."

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).